Nagpur, Jun 12 The Bombay High Court has sought response from the Maharashtra government and others to a Public Interest Litigation allegeing large-scale irregularities and substandard execution in the widening of National Highway 353C in Gadchiroli district.
The PIL, filed by activist Santosh Tatikondawar through his lawyer Ashish Fule, raised serious concerns about the work in the Alapalli- Guddigudam stretch which connects remote tribal regions of the district.
During the hearing on Friday, the Nagpur bench of the High Court issued notices to all respondents including the state government, Public Works Department and the contractor, and directed them to file their replies within four weeks.
According to the petition, the project for widening and strengthening approximately 16 kilometres of the highway was awarded in 2021 for Rs 56.93 crore.
The work still remains incomplete and several sections of the road are in a highly damaged and unsafe condition, the PIL alleged.
Large potholes, uneven surface, loose gravel, excessive dust pollution and incomplete construction have made the highway hazardous, it claimed.
The poor condition of the road has resulted in frequent accidents, it said, seeking the constitution of an independent expert committee to inspect the road, determine the loss caused to the public exchequer, and recommend action against erring officials and contractors.
A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode issued notices to the respondents and adjourned the hearing for four weeks.
