An open footpath along Banerji Road that poses a threat to the safety of pedestrians..
| Photo Credit: H. VIBHU
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday warned officers and engineers responsible for the upkeep of M.G. Road and Banerji Road in the city that they would be held personally responsible if any accident took place on account of uncovered drains along the said roads.
Justice Devan Ramachandran made it clear that the court would not shy away from taking action against officers and engineers. “Their carelessness and insouciance cannot be countenanced and will have to be put down with the might the law warranted,” he said.
When cases related to the bad condition of the roads came up for hearing, K.V. Manoj Kumar, senior government pleader, submitted that the Public Works department (PWD) would look into the issue. He also submitted that the construction of footpaths along M.G. Road had been tendered.
S. Vinod Bhatt, amicus curiae, pointed out in his report that both sides of M.G. Road and Madhava Pharmacy Junction were not properly maintained. The slabs over the drains were missing at certain places. The footpaths over the drains were uneven with slabs broken, posing a threat to the safety of pedestrians.
The court also pointed out that the huge equipment brought in as part of cleaning the Perandoor canal still remained idle at Madhava Pharmacy Junction, and that all the slabs over drains there too remained open. “Madhava Pharmacy Junction is a vantage point. If the Kochi Corporation and others had any ideas, it could have been made one of the most beautiful spots. Besides, there is no footpath in front of the Government Ayurveda Hospital at Kacheripady, and people find it difficult to walk along the stretch. Accidents can happen anytime,” the court reminded.
The court orally observed that “something should be done to save the city. Why should the court pass orders everyday? The officers did not have time to look after the city. They are busy with their own things. The court wants to make the officers personally responsible. I cannot wait for an accident or death to happen,” the judge said.
Published – February 05, 2025 09:57 pm IST