The Meghalaya High Court today criticised the PWD (Roads) for always blaming rains to justify the poor condition of roads.
The High Court said that it has repeatedly made it clear in several previous orders that since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on the earth, extra care has to be taken while building roads and the mix of substance has to be so chosen, taking into account the heavy rains that the roads will require to endure.
“It is not acceptable that the excuse of rains is proffered to justify the poor condition of roads,” the division bench of the High Court said while hearing a PIL filed by A H Hazarika.
Further, the court also rapped the PWD (Roads) for making excuses that because of monsoon, maintenance works of roads remain suspended in the State.
“Generally speaking, the condition of roads in the State is not up to the mark and the standard excuse is that because of the heavy rains, huge maintenance costs are incurred and which is why maintenance works remain suspended during the period of heavy rains,” the High Court said.
“It is hoped that the PWD (Roads) sits up and takes notice and keeps all the roads in good repair so as to enable free flow of traffic even during the monsoons,” the court added.
During the hearing a report has been filed by the Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads), Tura indicating the present status of the Agia – Medhipara – Phulbari – Tura (AMPT) Road.
In the report, the Executive Engineer stated that three contractors have been engaged for the portion of 33rd to 41st km of the AMPT Road and its maintenance.
However, the petitioner, who is particularly affected by the poor condition of such stretches, said that the maintenance work is neither timely nor regular.
The High Court has sought a fresh report regarding the status of the road. The next hearing on the matter will be held on October 3.
