HC seeks policy to ensure Cuttack roads are in good shape

Cuttack: Orissa high court has highlighted digging as a major issue for the poor condition of roads in Cuttack, with various departments digging up the same road multiple times, causing inconvenience to the public and resulting in substandard work. The court emphasised the need for better coordination between departments and suggested the formulation of a road restoration policy ahead of Durga Puja. Under this policy, departments would be required to deposit restoration charges before commencing work and ensure the road is restored to its original condition upon completion, it suggested. Pravash Kumar Majhi, superintending engineer, roads & buildings division (Cuttack), submitted an affidavit to the special bench taking up suo motu PILs on civic issues in the city. Majhi stated that in addition to the deterioration of road surface due to rains, damage had occurred to various roads as a result of work by Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB), Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) and GAIL for providing public utilities. The bench instructed the commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation to “depute some responsible officers along with the officials of OPTCL to the spot for verification so that the road restoration work is being properly carried out”.The bench also directed the nodal officer, to be appointed by the Cuttack collector, to communicate with OPTCL authorities to arrange a joint visit to the site. CMC authorities and other departments concerned were directed to complete repair and improve the city’s roads on a war footing, in view of Durga Puja. Vir Vikram Yadav, principal secretary of the works department, appeared virtually and stated that some roads are in good condition, some require minor repairs and others require extensive repairs. He assured all repair work would be completed by Oct 5. However, the bench expressed concern about the data on good roads provided by Yadav, as it contrasted sharply with the “potholed reality”.In response, the official assured the repair work on city roads would be closely monitored to address the legitimate concerns of residents and that any complaints regarding the quality would be investigated and necessary corrective measures taken.We also published the following articles recently