Rainwater flooding around Somalwar School in Khamla has once again come under the High Court’s scanner. The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench on Tuesday told the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to stop blaming each other and find a practical solution. The Court directed both the departments to sit together and work out measures to prevent water-logging at the school and nearby areas. It also asked them to submit affidavits by Friday and explain the steps taken and the solution proposed.

 

The directions came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by Janmanch against the construction of cement-concrete roads in Nagpur. The matter was heard by Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Justice Raj Wakode. The Court was told that students and residents face problems whenever heavy rain hits the area. Water accumulates near Somalwar School and on the adjoining road. The judges had earlier pulled up the NMC and PWD over the issue. The Court had questioned the authorities about the steps being taken for citizens who pay taxes and depend on basic civic services. The PWD is carrying out work near Somalwar School under a World Bank-funded stormwater drainage project. NMC had earlier issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the PWD for the project. However, after the problem emerged, both the departments allegedly started blaming each other.

 

The High Court took note of the blame game and directed the departments to take positive and constructive steps instead of passing responsibility. The Court also took up another civic issue during the hearing. It was informed that residents of the Forest Department quarters at Indora have only one water tap. Taking note of the issue, the Court directed the concerned authorities to submit an affidavit by Friday explaining the situation and the steps proposed to address it. The Court also added the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur, as a respondent in the PIL. The High Court made it clear that the authorities must focus on providing solutions instead of shifting responsibility. Advocate Mrunal Chakravarty appeared for Janmanch. Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the Nagpur unicipal Corporation (NMC). Advocate Shishir Uke appeared for the Government, while Advocate Anish Kathane represented the NHAI.