HC hears BMC’s ‘action plan’

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While hearing a suo motu PIL on the city’s potholes and road conditions, the HC on Thursday said that it was not trying to find faults, but strengthen the hands of the public authorities in the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M.S. Sanklecha was hearing the BMC’s action plan in curbing the pothole menace and improving the pathetic condition of roads. “We’re not here to find faults. We want to strengthen the hands of the public authorities,” Chief Justice Shah told the gathering, which comprised municipal commissioners of BMC, TMC, NMMC, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar, lawyers, experts and activists.
BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte informed the court that the civic body had taken cognisance of the situation and was in the process of implementing various measures to improve the roads’ condition. “The road technologies are being implemented on the basis of the width of roads… The solid waste management system is being put in place. The road engineers have been given the responsibility of road repair works and detection of potholes.
However, lawyer Prateek Seksaria, who was representing a body of lawyers affected by the city's potholes, said, “Even though Mr Kunte had explained the action plan, the PWD, which is responsible for the two most important roads — Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway — hasn't said anything about their action plan in improving the roads’ condition.” The PWD and Mumbai Port Trust were exempted from being present on Thursday.
Replying to this, Advocate General, Darius Khambata said, “This is not a fair comment to make. There is no need to sensationalise the matter. We’re taking action and if asked will present the action plan.”
Chief Justice Shah and Justice Sanklecha had taken cognisance of a letter by sitting Justice Gautam Patel.
The court has posted the next hearing on October 4, when it will hear the actions plans of other civic bodies and PWD.