Nagpur High Court Criticizes PWD Over Delayed Response in Waterlogging PIL
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday strongly reprimanded the Public Works Department (PWD) for its failure to submit a reply in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning persistent waterlogging in parts of the city. This issue has been exacerbated following the construction of elevated cement-concrete roads, leading to significant public inconvenience and property damage risks.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Department's Silence
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta voiced clear dissatisfaction with the PWD's continued silence on an intervention application. The bench directly questioned when the department's response would be officially placed on record, highlighting a lack of compliance with earlier judicial directions.
The court noted that despite previous instructions, the PWD had not filed its reply to assist in addressing the grievances raised in the petition. This petition was filed by Rajiv Jagtap, president of Janmanch, who has been advocating for urgent measures to mitigate waterlogging problems affecting residents.
Previous Hearings and Municipal Corporation's Claims
In earlier hearings, the bench had directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to submit a detailed, time-bound pre-monsoon action plan. The civic body, in its affidavit, asserted that waterlogging would not pose a significant problem this year and outlined various preventive measures intended to address the issue.
However, the court had previously flagged these proposals as impractical, expressing skepticism about their ability to effectively resolve the recurring flooding that plagues the city. The PWD's ongoing failure to clarify its position has further heightened concerns over the coordination among agencies responsible for managing urban infrastructure.
Legal Arguments and Urgent Warnings
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel Pervez Mirza emphasized the urgency of the matter, warning of severe inconvenience and potential property damage if corrective steps are delayed ahead of the impending monsoon season. Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the civic body during the proceedings.
The bench has adjourned the matter to Wednesday, directing all concerned authorities, including the PWD and NMC, to file their responses promptly. This directive aims to ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable and that a comprehensive solution is developed to tackle the waterlogging crisis effectively.
