The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has raised serious questions about the quality inspection mechanisms employed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation for storm drain line covers installed across the city's internal roads. During a hearing on Wednesday, the court directed the NMC to submit a detailed written response by Monday, seeking clarity on the procedures used to ensure the durability and safety of these critical infrastructure components.
Court Takes Stern Stance on Public Safety Concerns
Presided over by Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode, the court expressed grave concerns about the potential dangers posed by defective or missing chamber covers in Nagpur's sewage system. The hearing revealed that more than 10,000 chamber covers throughout the city were either broken or completely missing, creating hazardous conditions for citizens and animals alike.
Monsoon Hazards and Compensation Issues
The court specifically highlighted the heightened risks during monsoon season, when open chambers can become death traps for unsuspecting pedestrians and animals. In a significant observation, the bench noted that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation had established no formal scheme for compensating victims who might suffer injuries or losses due to these infrastructure failures.
The matter originally emerged during arguments in a pending petition, prompting the High Court to take suo motu cognizance and order the filing of a public interest litigation. The court subsequently expanded the scope of this PIL to encompass various related issues concerning urban infrastructure safety and municipal accountability.
NMC's Response and Quality Standards
Advocate Abhay Sambare, representing the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, submitted an affidavit stating that the civic body uses either ductile iron covers or steel fibre reinforcement covers for these chambers. The affidavit further claimed that the NMC follows the India Standard Code in its installation processes.
However, the court remained unsatisfied with these general assurances, demanding specific details about the quality control mechanisms and inspection protocols employed by the municipal corporation. The bench emphasized that mere compliance with standard codes wasn't sufficient without proper implementation and verification mechanisms.
Broader Implications for Urban Governance
This case has brought to light significant gaps in municipal oversight and infrastructure maintenance practices. The court's intervention underscores the need for systematic inspection regimes and accountability measures in urban governance, particularly concerning public safety infrastructure.
Advocate Shilpa Girdkar appeared for the petitioners in this matter, which continues to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Indian cities in maintaining aging infrastructure while ensuring citizen safety. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's response, due on Monday, is expected to provide crucial insights into municipal inspection practices and potentially set precedents for similar cases across Maharashtra.
