Mumbai: High Court Takes State Government to Task Over Potholes and Manholes
Mumbai, 12th August 2023: The Bombay High Court has reiterated its stance on the issue of roads and potholes, a matter it addressed five years ago. The responsibility to address this matter lies squarely on the shoulders of the state government. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Bombay High Court questioned why citizens should expend their time and effort on the government’s responsibilities.
In a recent development, the Bombay High Court convened to address a petition concerning the persistent issue of potholes and exposed manholes in Mumbai. On Wednesday, the 9th of August, the court summoned the Commissioners of six Municipal Corporations within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reprimanding them for failing to adhere to directives aimed at rectifying the pothole problem. Present at the hearing were Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Rajesh Narvekar of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Abhijit Bangar of Thane Municipal Corporation, Sanjay Katkar of Mira-Bhainder, Dr Bhausaheb Dangde of Kalyan-Dombivli, and Anil Kumar Pawar of Vasai-Virar. The commissioners of all six municipalities were in attendance.
MMR is governed by not only the Mumbai Municipal Corporation but also several other civic bodies. Consequently, during the preceding hearing, the commissioner cited administrative complexities and recommended the establishment of a unified organization. In response, the Bombay High Court directed the state government to consider this proposal. During the current hearing, the High Court posed a query to the state government, seeking an explanation for its delay in resolving this issue.
The High Court’s Directives:
The High Court has instructed Assistant Commissioners of the Municipal Divisions to collaboratively assess the status of all 1,286 sewers in Mumbai in conjunction with Court Commissioner Advocates designated by the High Court. This comprehensive survey aims to determine whether these sewers have been appropriately addressed, and a report must be submitted within a span of three weeks.
Previously, the court had ordered the establishment of a unified grievance redressal system to facilitate citizen complaints regarding road potholes. In light of this, the High Court has further demanded a response from the state government detailing the measures taken to fulfill this order and the progress made in its implementation.
Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Claims:
Mumbai Municipal Corporation asserts that it has successfully repaired 59,000 potholes this year. The legal representatives of the Municipal Corporation informed the court that a comprehensive plan is in place to resurface all roads in Mumbai over the next three years. Furthermore, they reassured the court that both the Eastern Expressway and Western Expressway will be completely pothole-free. In cases where necessary, the petitioners are encouraged to collaborate with municipal authorities to conduct joint surveys. Additionally, the municipality assured the court that all drainage systems in Mumbai, including those in low-lying areas, will be properly maintained. This endeavor, which includes netting all sewers, is slated for completion prior to the onset of the next monsoon season.
