Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 7: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) to book those officers against whom allegations of using used Indian Oil have been reported to the court.
A Division Bench of the court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice MH Attar said: “Attention has been drawn to the court that used Indian Oil is being utilized on macadamization work on Qazigund-Srinagar road work on which is going on.”
The court directed the NHAI that if the information is correct then take notice of the fact and bring to the book to such kind of officers, who are involved in such type of lapse, which obviously would be the act of misappropriation and deception.
The court also directed the Central Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to release funds to the State Government expeditiously for macadamization of the roads.
The amicus advocate JH Reshi to the PIL for decongestion and smooth plying of traffic in Srinagar city pointed out before the Bench that the land for construction of road has been acquired. He said the road has been constructed, but it is yet to be macadamized for want of sanction from the ministry.
“Accordingly, we direct the aforesaid Ministry to expedite release of funds so that the work of macadamization of the road is completed at the earliest,” the court directed.
Another status report in pursuance of court direction filed by Transport Commissioner, J&K, Srinagar, with regard to installation of Auto LPG outlets refers that communication of Indian Oil Corporation wherein they have stated that formalities are being done and necessary statutory approvals are being obtained for installation.
Showing its dissatisfaction over the act of IOC the court observed that “the response given by corporation is not only vague and cryptic but does not disclose any progress made.”
The court also made Deputy General Manager of Corporation Chandigarh as respondent party so that effective directions are issued to the Corporation.
With regard to issue of traffic problem at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar Development Authority Counsel Javed Iqbal submitted that the expert by of RITES India Ltd has been contacted and their team is likely to visit the Bus Stand to take stock of the ground realities and then make their suggestions.
The court sought report of the expert body of RITES India Ltd from SDA before next date of hearing.
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