Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court has posed critical questions to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) regarding its strategy for maintaining roads during the monsoon season. During a hearing on Friday, the court inquired whether the AMC has a comprehensive policy to prevent road damage and address drainage issues during heavy rainfall.
The bench, led by Justice expressed concern over the recurring problem of waterlogged streets and malfunctioning drainage systems following even moderate rainfall of four inches. The court sought clarification from both the AMC and the state government on whether climatic conditions are considered during the planning and execution of development projects.
The hearing was part of a contempt of court petition highlighting the non-compliance with previous court directives concerning road maintenance, stray cattle control, and traffic management. The court reviewed an affidavit from the AMC, which detailed the causes of potholes during the monsoon and the measures taken to repair them. Justice questioned the AMC’s approach, asking, “But is there any policy to prevent this?” The court pressed for information on whether road repair tasks are outsourced or handled internally by AMC’s departments. Furthermore, the court demanded data from the past three years on road construction and maintenance, including the standards set for road design, quality, and drainage.
The bench emphasised the need for a proactive approach, stating, “Otherwise, we are wasting energy every year. Once they tell us what the parameters are, we can move ahead.” The court’s inquiries aim to ensure that road infrastructure in Ahmedabad can withstand monsoon conditions, thereby reducing the annual cycle of road damage and repair. The court’s scrutiny underscores the importance of robust urban planning and infrastructure development, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall. By addressing these issues, the AMC can improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the city’s resilience to climatic challenges.
