Cuttack court demands urgent overhaul of unsafe city roads and schools
The deteriorating condition of roads and public school infrastructure in Cuttack has come under judicial scrutiny, with the Orissa High Court pulling up the city administration for its inaction. Acting on media reports and submissions from legal representatives, the court has directed senior officials to file detailed affidavits on the repair timelines, road quality assessments, and contractual accountability mechanisms. The court also extended its concern to public education facilities, demanding clarity on the availability of toilets, drinking water, and gender-specific washrooms in government-run schools.
During a recent hearing, the division bench highlighted multiple areas where roads had become non-motorable, even after undergoing repair. Localities such as Khapuria, Gandarpur, Khannagar, and Press Chowk were cited as especially hazardous due to faded surfaces and poor-quality materials. The court has demanded clarity on whether contract provisions allow authorities to penalise or withhold payments to contractors who fail to meet standards. It insisted that public funds must not be wasted and that future contracts should mandate repair liability within set timelines to prevent recurring issues. Officials from both the Roads and Buildings Division and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation have been instructed to furnish their reports by the end of July. Alongside this, the court flagged another civic concern—a lack of toilet facilities and clean drinking water in public schools, affecting basic hygiene and gender safety.
Institutions such as Maria Bazar and Nuabazar High School were singled out for urgent attention. The Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department must now file an affidavit detailing the facilities provided in all government-run schools across Cuttack.The court’s observations have resonated deeply with residents, many of whom have voiced frustration over repeated civic negligence. Local commuters say waterlogging and potholes make daily travel dangerous, especially during the monsoon. Parents have also raised concerns about sending children to schools that lack basic sanitation, fearing health and safety risks. Urban planning experts argue that this situation reflects a systemic failure in infrastructure upkeep and suggest the adoption of smart monitoring tools, third-party audits, and citizen grievance platforms to ensure accountability across departments.
The court’s intervention comes at a crucial moment for Cuttack’s urban development. With civic complaints mounting, the need for transparency, accountability, and sustainable infrastructure has never been more urgent. Citizens’ safety and student welfare must remain central to planning and implementation, and the state’s ability to deliver on basic public amenities will likely influence long-term trust in governance. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 7.
