Mumbaikars have often spoken about the pothole menace which is a commonly unpleasant sight in the city. Despite frequent complaints, neither the State Government nor the BMC has taken the complaints seriously. However, the Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) who appointed a nodal officer, Shrikant Kulkarni, to look into the pothole-related grievances and in the span of nine days, the officer received 70 complaints.
Considering the number of complaints received, the nodal officer has asked the BMC to submit a compliance report on a weekly basis. The officer started receiving complaints after a public notice was issued on September 8. Immediately, the nodal officer has called a meeting with several agencies including MMRDA, Mhada, MbPT, CR, WR, MSRDC, MIDC, PWD and the Dairy Development department, on Thursday.
Kulkarni explained that after recording complaints, they will be sent to BMC and if the latter realises that the complaint made is concerned with other agency, then it will be forwarded to the authority concerned. He added that while addressing the complaint the officials will have to upload the picture as complainant can check if the pothole has been repaired. Meanwhile, Vinod Chitore, director of engineering services department and chief engineer of roads, said that the BMC has received 50 complaints, out of which 40% have been addressed.
On July 24, 2013, Justice Gautam Patel had written to the chief justice highlighting the condition of roads and accidents taking place. He had annexed a compilation of news reports and the court converted his letter into a suo moto PIL. Finally, on August 3, taking the cognizance of the PIL, the court appointed a nodal officer for Mumbai and other districts.
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