Orissa HC Pulls Up CMC, WATCO, GAIL Over Pathetic Condition Of Roads & Drains In Cuttack

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has pulled up several organisations including Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) over inconvenience caused to people due to pathetic condition of roads in the millennium city.

The HC had filed a PIL in 2020 after taking suo motu cognisance of the sufferings of the residents of Cuttack city due to bad conditions of the roads and drains.

While hearing the matter, a bench comprising acting Chief Justice B R Sarangi and Justice M S Raman held that the authorities concerned should expedite the work instead of fixing the timeline for completion of the projects at their sweet-will.

The court asked the City Engineer of the CMC to appear in person on the next date of hearing to explain how such timeline has been given. The HC also asked the superintending engineer of R & B Division, Cuttack, the general manager of WATCO (sewerage) and the general manager of WATCO (drainage) to remain present on the next date of hearing.

The general manager of GAIL, which is laying underground pipelines for the supply of gas in the city has also been asked to be present.

The HC passed its order after hearing the counsel for CMC, Odisha Water Supply & Sewerage Board (OWS & SB) and WATCO.

According to sources, some works of JICA are still underway on roads in areas under the CMC area. While road restoration and repair works were slated to be completed by October 20, it appears to be difficult to do it by the set date.

Residents of the city have been alleging that the works of road construction and the laying of pipelines are often being left halfway, making their lives miserable.

The court has fixed October 13 (Friday) for the next hearing of the case.