Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has formed a committee to probe how many potholes across the city have been repaired permanently. A Divisional Bench comprising Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S G Pandit resumed the proceedings on the issue on Monday, September 24.
Following a PIL, the High Court on September 20, had directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to completely shut down all the potholes throughout the city within September 24.
Advocate V Shreenidhi, backing the BBMP said, “According to the High Court directions, the pothole patchwork has gained pace. About 90 percent of the potholes are now covered.”
Reacting to the statement by Shreenidhi, CJ Maheshwari said, “Working in a hurry and compromising on the quality of work is not acceptable. The quality must be ensured.”
“Explain the details on how many wards have been covered under this repair work”, he ordered.
Shreenidhi, replying to this said, “The works pertaining to the western range of Malleshwaram and Mahalakshmi Layout, and the four wards of Yelahanka are completed.”
CJ Maheshwari said, “In that case, a committee formed by the High Court will be sent for spot inspection. The team will be headed by the Chief Engineer of BBMP.”
An order was passed under the leadership of the Chief of Military Engineering Services Dinesh Agarwal and the Secretary of the State Law Service Authority M G Uma. The court also ordered Additional Solicitor General Prabhuling K Navadagi and Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna to cooperate with the committee.
The CJ told Shreenidhi, “Provide optimum cooperation to the committee. Elevate the level of hope on BBMP. Bring back the grandeur of Bengaluru. See to it that none of the common people files a complaint in the court based on unfinished work.”
“By next week, the roads of the city should be pothole free”, he ordered.
CJ Maheshwari said, “The committee must immediately jump into action. It must make a report on every minute details. After the quality check, suggestions, if any, are to be given by Tuesday, September 25 morning and an initial report on the same must be handed over to the court. A daily report needs to be submitted to the court.”
CJ Maheshwari directed Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna saying, “The committee must ensure that people or traffic movement are not affected during the inspection of the potholes. If required, the police commissioner may be approached for protection and smooth functioning.”
