MCD pulled up for bad roads (Hindu 13 July 2010)

The Delhi High Court has pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for “bumpy, potholed” roads which get waterlogged and cave in following a short spell of rain.
“In one short spell of rain Delhi has experienced total chaos at many places. Roads have caved in due to water-logging and most of them have faced huge traffic jams bringing the city to a standstill,” Justice Gambhir said.
He was referring to the water-logging and three-to-four-hour long jams across the Capital last week following a short spell of rain. The worst affected stretch was between Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and Dhaula Kuan bus stand.
Referring to the Commonwealth Games to be held in October, Justice Gambhir said: “With the Commonwealth Games in the offing, with this situation, crossing the roads would be a kettle of fish for this city.”
He further observed that the powers that be cared for the citizens only when the Capital hosts an international event. “Why should the common man expect to have good roads only before an international event?” he asked.
Referring to the good quality of roads around the Embassies in the Chanakyapuri area, Justice Gambhir said: “One area where the roads in all seasons appear to be in perfect motorable condition without any pothole or unevenness is Chanakyapuri.”
“Why cannot all the roads in Delhi be built or maintained at the same standard and in the same fashion standing the test of all seasons?” Justice Gambhir asked.
Reminding the Delhi Government of the “very high rate of roads tax” it charges, Justice Gambhir further said but it did not provide “smooth and worthy roads to its citizens”.
Justice Gambhir made these observations while hearing a petition filed last year urging the Court to pass directions to the government agencies concerned for improvement of the poor condition of the roads.
The Court later asked the civic body to file an affidavit stating the latest condition of the city roads.