MG Road footpaths: HC calls for swift fix
A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing petitions concerning the poor condition of roads in Kochi.
Court observed that flooding along MG Road is particularly severe in sections where footpaths are damaged.
This, it said, is due in part to ineffective cleaning of drains and rampant waste dumping. Court stressed that restoring footpaths and drainage system is an urgent need, and simply removing and replacing slabs is an inadequate, temporary solution.
In response, senior govt pleader appearing for PWD requested a few days to seek instructions from the state.
It was submitted that govt is seriously considering footpath restoration and is currently reviewing a proposal that may exceed Rs 16 crore due to cost escalation.
Court also noted that damaged tiles and bollards on Banerji Road footpath remain unrepaired. However, counsel for Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) assured court that all restoration works there would be completed within 10 days. Court recorded this assurance and posted the matter for further hearing next Thursday.
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