The October 27 deadline fixed by the Orissa High Court for completion of road repair works in Cuttack is expiring today. Though massive work was undertaken by several agencies to meet the deadline, there are several roads in the city that are yet to be repaired.
Resentment is brewing among residents as the road work that has been undertaken has reportedly been completed in a haphazard manner and it appears more of a patch work. The work done in several parts of the city is also not up to the mark.
Locals alleged that such road repair works are executed even on Saptami and Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja every year. Such road repair works are not taken up before puja season even though puja committees and other stakeholders had been raising such issues at regular intervals.
This year too the road repair was taken up at Jhanjir Managala area on Maha Ashtami. This has led to traffic congestion in the area. It remains to be seen what facts will be presented by several departments before the High Court regarding the road repair status in the next hearing.
Also Read: Finish road repair work in Cuttack by Oct 27: Orissa High Court
It is pertinent to mention here that Orissa High Court on October 13 had fixed a deadline for the completion of the construction and repair works of all roads in Cuttack.
The High Court had directed various agencies to complete the road repair works by October 27, 2023. Amicus Curiae then had informed the court that the work for the ongoing box drain work would be completed by March, 2024.
The officials of nine departments had deposed before the High Court and presented their stand on the road repair issue. The officials had informed that the road repair work is being undertaken on a war-footing in Cuttack.
The Court had also warned to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the officials for any violation.