A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice MS Karnik was informed by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal that the issue with maintenance of roads in Mumbai was that there were multiple planning authorities involved.
“Besides BMC there are 15 other agencies that own roads, and they do not own more than 500 kms in Mumbai. But BMC is not supposed to look after these roads,” Chahal contended.
He apprised the Court of his request to the State to direct the other authorities to take action to improve road conditions.
Further, he said that had also official sought permission from the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra to make BMC the planning authority of entire city and extended suburbs.
To this, the Bench asked whether this proposal was limited to roads alone, but Chahal clarified that the request was to make BMC the planning authority as well.
The Bench then asked Chief government pleader PP Kakade if the Court could pass an order asking the State of Maharashtra to consider bringing all roads within the jurisdiction of BMC.
“Can we ask the Urban Development Department consider this proposal to bring all roads within the jurisdiction of BMC in parts.. if the other agencies are not maintaining the roads properly?” CJ Datta asked.
Kakade replied in affirmative to this.
Source: Barandbench
