Gujarat High Court orders redressal cell for bad roads in all zones

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to constitute zone-wise grievance redressal cells for bad roads, and that the civic body should widely publicise the information about these cells so that citizens can avail its benefit.

The second division bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice Biren Vaishnav is hearing a PIL filed by Mustak Kadri through advocate Amit Panchal. The petitioner's grievance is that a majority of the city's roads were damaged in the season's first rains itself, which can only happen if there is a nexus between officers, politicians and contractors leading to quality roads not being constructed.

The AMC submitted an affidavit on the resurfacing work done so far, and complying with the court's earlier order has decided to constitute a grievance redressal cell. The court then directed the corporation to constitute such cells in each zone, adding that the cell officer's name and number should be put on roads. It even directed AMC to publish a public notice in newspapers so that the public at large can take note of it and can lodge their complaints with the officer. The court also instructed the corporation to ensure that these cells do not remain on paper, that complainants should receive immediate response, and to see to it that roads are repaired or resurfaced.

It also asked the corporation to produce all resurfaced roads certificates before the court so that it can verify their quality check.

AMC took random samples of 92 damaged roads, of which scientific reports of 40 samples were submitted to the court. The HC has asked the civic body to build pressure on Forensic Science Laboratories and other agencies to speed up the process.

Cops working on stray cattle menace: State

The state government on Thursday submitted an affidavit that informed the court about 47 meetings held with stake holders on the issue of shortage of fodder. Government pleader Manisha Luvkumar, while submitting the affidavit on behalf of the city police, said that the police is working to ensure that no one sells fodder on road sides. The second division bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice Biren Vaishnav cautioned the state and AMC of allotting any land.