The citizens of Nagpur are grappling with various problems due to the ongoing construction of cement roads across the city. A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed by the Janmanch in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court which raised the concerns over the rampant construction of cement roads. The PIL, which was heard by Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi on Wednesday, cited several adverse impacts on public and environment. The High Court has issued notices to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), and others.

 

he court has directed the respondents to submit their responses within 3 weeks. In the petition, the petitioner underlined increasing problems due to cement roads including pictures shot by citizens of the problematic construction sites with their grievances. Additionally, a group called ‘Green Nagpur’ had staged protests and demanded a halt to the cement road projects. The petitioners have requested the High Court to direct the authorities to inspect the ongoing cement road projects and ensure that adequate facilities which include proper rainwater drainage, sewage channels, electrical cables, water recharge systems, and water supply infrastructure. These facilities should be incorporated during the construction process. One of the major issues raised in the petition is the deterioration of the newly constructed roads, which are reportedly cracking and damaged. The use of fly ash in road construction causes ash particles to disperse into the air. Citizens have also raised concerns about rainwater flooding their homes due to the elevated height of the cement roads. Adv Parvez Mirza represented the petitioner, Adv Girish Kunte for NMC and NMRDA and Adv Deepak Thakre for the State. 

 

 

 During the hearing of a PIL filed by the Dhantoli Nagarik Mandal, Adv Ashwin Deshpande raised the issue of the cement roads being constructed in the lanes of the Dhantoli residential area. Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi took the matter seriously and orally ordered the highest authority of NMC to remain present in the court on Friday.