PIL seeks action on bad Ahmedabad roads

October 18, 2013

TNN |

AHMEDABAD: A PIL was filed in Gujarat high court seeking that the government be directed to improve the condition of roads in the city and take action against contractors for sub-standard work. The PIL also demanded immediate cancellation of work orders given to contractors whose poor construction standards have been exposed.A city-based group – Ahmedabad Traffic Consultative Committee – filed this PIL through advocate Parth Contractor, and sought the HC’s intervention to address “the never-ending woes of potholes and cave-ins” in the city. He argued that construction and resurfacing of roads are required to be monitored to maintain quality. He also contended that contractors, who have been held as defaults in the past, are being re-awarded resurfacing contracts and this results in a wastage of public money.

The PIL called on the Roads and Buildings Department to perform its statutory duty so the public doesn’t suffer poor road conditions.

It demanded penal action against contractors who use sub-standard materials. It also requested the court to compel authorities to publicize details of contractors, values of contracts and project durations to help bring transparency and accountability to the tendering process.

The PIL also demanded that a third-party consultant be required to monitor and examine quality of newly laid and resurfaced roads in the city.

The petitioner cited examples of dilapidated roads in city areas – the newly constructed flyover in Ellisbridge, the patch from Manav Mandir to Helmet circle etc – to highlight how recently resurfaced roads deteriorate in brief spells of rain. The PIL contended that malpractices of adhering to construction norms continue because authorities take a soft approach towards defaulting contractors, and no penal action is taken.

The court asked the petitioner to give copies of the petition to all concerned parties and scheduled a further hearing for next week.

Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com