Directs AG to file detailed affidavit on progress
Panaji: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the government to provide an explanation for any delays in the completion of roadworks under the Smart City project. The court observed that if the timelines previously indicated are not adhered to, the government must place on record the reasons for the delay and outline a clear plan of action for the completion of the work.
In the affidavit, Advocate General Devidas Pangam presented photographs of ongoing Smart City works, detailing some specific timelines for the roadworks in progress. It was also submitted that some of the roadworks, unrelated to the Smart City project, were being undertaken for the installation of electricity cables.
The court instructed the Advocate General to file a detailed affidavit, indicating the progress and updated timelines for the ongoing roadworks related to the Smart City initiative. “If the timelines which were indicated earlier are not adhered to and the roadworks are not complete in all respects, the state government should place on record the reasons for the delay. In the affidavit, it should also be clearly stipulated the plan of action as to when the road works will be completed in all respects,” the court stated.
On the Ribandar Patto to Chimbel junction road, which had been dug up for laying a sewerage line, including the construction of manholes and house connections, the court observed that the roads were not tarred. “Though not a part of the Smart City works, we find that there is absolutely no tar on the Ribandar Patto to Chimbel junction road. The work in respect of which had to be undertaken for laying of sewerage line including construction of manholes and house connections.”
The court further noted that the Public Works Department (PWD) division-II (Roads) would be responsible for completing the tarring of the road. It directed that the affidavit should include a timeline for the completion of tarring, with the reply to be filed by January 21. The matter is scheduled for hearing on January 22.
