HC raps Maha govt for not implementing beach safety resolution

The Bombay High Court today rapped the Maharashtra government for dragging its feet in implementing a resolution issued by it in 2006 regarding steps to be taken towards securing the beaches in the state.
A division bench of Justices A S Oka and A A Sayed was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Janhit Manch on the issue of beach safety.
In 2006, the high court had passed certain directions following which on September 8, 2006, the government issued a resolution listing several steps and measures that will be undertaken to ensure beaches in the state are secured. Some of the measures included beach patrolling, lifeguards and their equipments, signboards warning people of high tide and low tide and others.

"From 2006 to 2016, you (government) have not done anything towards implementation of the resolution. The government has only been asking for extension of time to implement the resolution," the court said.
The government today sought three months time to implement the resolution.
The court said it would grant the extension only if the government would give an undertaking assuring the court that it would implement all the steps laid down in the resolution within the next three months.
The court said if there is an undertaking and if after three months nothing is done, then it could initiate contempt proceedings against the government.

The court posted the petition for further hearing next week.