The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday orally pulled up the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and the Public Works Department (PWD) over water-logging near Somalwar School at Khamla on July 28 during heavy rains. The court observed that citizens and school students should not suffer because Government departments are shifting responsibility onto each other. A division bench of Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Justice Nivedita Mehta heard the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Janmanch challenging construction of cement concrete roads in the city.

 

During the hearing, the court took a serious note of accumulation of rainwater near Somalwar School Khamla and on the adjoining road. The judges observed that such conditions create hardships for residents, commuters and schoolchildren during monsoon. The court questioned the stand taken by the civic authorities. The NMC stated that the water-logging occurred because of work carried out by the PWD under the World Bank Project. However, the High Court was not satisfied with both departments blaming each other. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke orally asked the officials, “Citizens pay taxes. What steps will you take to provide them services and amenities? Otherwise, we will have to pass a formal order.” The bench further observed that preventing water-logging during the rainy season and supervising public works is the joint responsibility of both the NMC and the PWD.

 

It said the Government agencies cannot avoid accountability by shifting the blame. The High Court granted the NMC one final opportunity to explain the steps it proposes to take. It also sought details from the PWD regarding the work already completed and measures planned to solve the problem permanently. Both the NMC and the PWD have been directed to file detailed affidavits by August 10.

 

The affidavits must explain the action already taken as well as the future plan to prevent such incidents. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 11. Advocate Mrunal Chakravarty appeared for Janmanch. Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, while Advocate Shishir Uke appeared for the State Government. The High Court indicated that if the authorities fail to respond satisfactorily, it may pass appropriate orders in the matter.