Noting the haste repair works done on the roads of Kochi, the Kerala High Court on Thursday criticised the government and asked if only a VIP visit merited such quick action by the officials concerned. The court was referring to the fast pace of work done to repair many pothole-ridden roads in the city ahead of the visit by the Netherlands King and Queen to Kochi.
The court made the criticisms while considering a writ petition on Thursday, demanding to make roads in the city to be repaired. Despite orders from the court and district administration, the bad condition of many roads in Kochi was being ignored by the authorities concerned, citing multiple reasons.
“The enthusiasm shown to repair roads prior to the visit of VIPs should also be there while considering the lives of normal citizens,” Justice Devan Ramachandran is reported to have said as per Malayala Manorama. The court also observed that if the authorities concerned intervene at the right time, the roads could be repaired.
“What guarantee is there for the people who step on to the roads of Kochi that they can return home? Even when a bike rider died in the city recently, it did not have an impact on authorities. A lot of people are getting injured. Why should people bear the brunt?” Justice Devan asked.
The court also stated that officials should be held accountable for the accidents on road.
Justice Devan also directed the Public Works Department, Kochi Corporation and other bodies concerned to report to the court with a deadline by when the maintenance work of roads in Ernakulam will be fully completed.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima had reached Kochi on Thursday for a two-day visit to Kerala. As per reports, a couple of roads, which have been in bad condition for the past several months, were repaired overnight prior to the VIP visit. Many have also taken to social media to sarcastically thank the VIP visit, which finally made people’s long-lost demand to repair the roads a reality.
We the people of Kochi are thankful to His Excellency Willem Alexander for his visit to Kochi. Many roads in Kochi were not maintained properly by Kerala Government headed by @vijayanpinarayi even after an order from Hon High Court. But they were repaired overnight Thank you.
— Manikandan O V (@OVManikandan) October 17, 2019
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