Thiruvananthapuram: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued summons to the principal secretary of the water resources department and the managing director of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for failing to comply with an earlier directive aimed at addressing the recurring problem of roads being dug up for pipeline works.
Background of the Case
SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas ordered the summons after officials failed to implement a previous order or submit a progress report on measures taken to resolve complaints regarding repeated road excavation by KWA, including on newly tarred roads. The panel had taken up the matter suo motu based on a newspaper report and issued an order on August 14, 2024.
Earlier Directive
It had directed the water resources principal secretary to convene a high-level meeting and establish a special team of senior officials to ensure that trenches dug for laying or repairing pipelines are restored within a stipulated time. The commission also called for a serious review of the practice of repeatedly digging up roads where pipelines had already been laid and directed authorities to put an end to such incidents. A report on the action taken was to be submitted within one month.
Continued Violations
However, subsequent reports indicated that similar incidents continued to occur, with complaints even emerging about roads developed under the Smart City project being dug up. During a sitting held on June 4, SHRC directed representatives of the water resources department and KWA managing director to appear with a written report detailing action taken on the 2024 order. Neither officials nor their representatives appeared before the panel, and no report or leave application was submitted.
Commission's Response
In its order, the panel described the department’s indifference and neglect towards an issue of significant public concern as unfortunate and a sign of administrative indiscipline. It warned that stringent legal action would be initiated if the order continued to be ignored.
Legal Consequences
The Commission further stated that warrant proceedings could be initiated against the principal secretary and managing director if details of the action taken under the 2024 order are not submitted within three weeks. The joint secretary of the water resources department and KWA chief engineer have been directed to appear at the commission’s sitting on August 4. Considering the importance of the matter, the commission also requested additional advocate general K C Vincent to appear in the case.
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