Officials will be held responsible for bad roads in Kochi: Kerala HC

Kochi: High court on Thursday, taking note of the pathetic condition of certain roads within the city limits, repeatedly warned that unless remedial measures are taken to prevent the roads from deteriorating further, personal liability may have to be fixed on the officials concerned, including engineers, particularly if accidents occur as a result of such conditions.

The bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering a batch of petitions concerning the poor condition of roads in Kochi. During hearing, the amici curiae submitted that, with the onset of monsoon, many roads are likely to deteriorate unless Kochi corporation, public works department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) remain vigilant and undertake timely maintenance measures. They warned that several stretches could develop serious defects, thereby endangering the lives of citizens.

Taking note of the submissions, HC observed that experience has shown that roads suffer the most during monsoon and that authorities often cite various reasons in justification. Whatever the explanations may be, HC said, the fact remains that potholes and craters on roads pose a grave threat to human life, and even a single death or injury caused by such conditions would have catastrophic consequences. Referring to its earlier orders, the bench reiterated that the poor road conditions must invariably be treated as a man-made disaster. It noted that the authorities and engineers concerned had already been directed to maintain constant vigilance within their respective jurisdictions.

The amici curiae sought additional time to file reports on the condition of various roads in Kochi. Accordingly, HC adjourned the matter to June 18.