PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa directed the State government and the Public Works Department to complete the repair of all potholes especially along highways within four weeks from September 21.
Hearing a suo motu petition -- that the High Court had initiated based on news reports of recurring potholes and unrepaired roads -- the High Court said that the persistence of potholes were inexcusable.
“Now that the monsoons have also substantially receded, there is no sufficient reason for not completing these works as expeditiously as possible and no later than four weeks from today. Accordingly, we direct the Respondent No.1 (Chief Secretary) to ensure that the works on the above stretches are completed as expeditiously as possible and, in any case, within four weeks from today,” the High Court ruled.
The amicus curiae told the court that there were unrepaired potholes at portions of the approach roads to existing Zuari Bridge, various roads around Panaji Bus Stand-below Atal Setu and Link Road from Panaji Bus Stand to the new Patto Bridge, portion of the National Highway from Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex till the Old Market Circle, which was excavated at various locations, the road from Carraswado to Bicholim and portions of the approach roads to existing Colvale Bridge, Guirim Junction at Guirim, Bardez, Goa.
“The concerned Executive Engineers within whose jurisdiction the above stretches fall must supervise, if possible on a daily basis, so that there is no further delay. Further, the Executive Engineers must submit reports to the Superintending Engineers. The Superintending Engineers, based on such reports, to file compliance reports on or before the next date. Advance copies of such affidavits/compliance reports must be furnished to the learned Amicus Curiae. Further, we add that the concerned Superintending Engineers must also take all steps to ensure that these directions of filling in of the potholes and repairing,” the High Court ruled.
