The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the civic authorities, expressing deep frustration over persistent encroachments and lack of enforcement in the city. The court directed that non-performing staff of the anti-encroachment squad should be removed from service and sent home.
Court Questions Effectiveness of NMC Enforcement Machinery
Hearing two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by the Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal, a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode questioned the effectiveness of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) enforcement machinery. The court asked, 'Encroachment squads are said to be functioning, but what action have they taken?' The bench directed the NMC to submit detailed records of actions taken against encroachments and the expenditure incurred on salaries of such personnel.
Continued Encroachments Despite Repeated Orders
The court noted that despite repeated orders over the years, the situation in areas such as Dhantoli, Ramdaspeth, Khamla, and Umred Road remains largely unchanged. In some locations, the High Court observed that permanent structures have come up on roads and footpaths, indicating serious lapses in enforcement. The bench remarked that the matter had been pending for 16 years, yet compliance remained inadequate. 'Every time, we are required to repeat the same orders,' the court said, highlighting the continued inaction.
Court-Appointed Committee Recommendations
A court-appointed committee's recommendations, based on field inspections, were taken on record. The bench directed the civic body to respond to these suggestions. The recommendations include the creation of designated ambulance parking spaces in Dhantoli and Ramdaspeth to reduce congestion near hospitals. The committee has also proposed co-opting traffic experts, conducting surveys using LiDAR technology, introducing paid parking systems, and implementing one-way traffic in congested areas.
Details on City Beautification Expenditure Sought
Additionally, the court sought details of expenditure on city beautification, directing that this information be filed in a related hoardings case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 4. The petitioners were represented by Ashutosh Dharmadhikari and Ashwin Deshpande, while the state and the municipal corporation were represented by AGP Deepak Thakare and Gemini Kasat, respectively.
