The Bombay High Court has established a committee comprising officials from various departments to propose a roadmap for reconstructing and repairing 45 kilometres of roads in the ecologically sensitive Aarey Colony. The court addressed concerns raised in public interest litigations about the roads' poor conditions and directed the committee to consider environmental regulations and eco-sensitive zone laws during their work. The committee must present its recommendations for funding and repair plans before the next hearing on September 23. The court also emphasized the need for cooperation among authorities and directed immediate repairs for a specific road segment.
The Bombay High Court has taken steps to address the concerns regarding the condition of roads in the ecologically sensitive Aarey Colony. Last week, a committee was formed consisting of officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the state Public Works Department (PWD), the Forest Department, and the Dairy Services Department. The committee's primary objective is to suggest a roadmap for the reconstruction and repair of approximately 45 kms of roads within Aarey Colony. This roadmap will take into consideration the eco-sensitive nature of the area. The committee is also tasked with proposing a plan for funding the repair work, and it is expected to present its recommendations before the next court hearing on September 23.
The court's decision came in response to public interest litigations (PILs) that raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the roads in Aarey Colony and requested directives for their maintenance and repair. The intervenor NGO, Vanashakti, stressed the importance of adhering to laws related to eco-sensitive zones and environmental regulations during any road-related work in the area.
In a previous hearing, the court noted a lack of coordination among the authorities involved in the road's management. To address this issue, the court directed a joint meeting between the BMC and state officials, aiming to expedite the process of handing over the roads.
Recognizing the complexity of the issues raised in the PILs, the court decided to seek a comprehensive report from the committee to address both the concerns of Aarey Colony's residents and the environmental implications. The committee includes officials from various departments, a senior expert scientist from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), and the CEO of Aarey Colony.
During the proceedings, the court also directed the immediate repair of a 1.5-kilometer road, from Aarey Market to Mayur Nagar, by the PWD. However, the court emphasized that repair does not imply reconstruction using concrete. Necessary funds for this repair work will be provided by the state government to the concerned department.
The court urged the respondent authorities to avoid conflicts among themselves and work together to address the issues effectively. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 13, by which time the committee is expected to complete its tasks and submit its comprehensive report.
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