HC seeks response of Delhi govt, LG, PWD on GK road work

The Delhi High Court today sought response from the Public Works Department for allegedly raising divider and closing roads on a 2-km stretch in Greater Kailash (GK) Part II here.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher also issued notice to Lieutenant Governor's office and Delhi government seeking their response on a plea filed by a resident of GK Part II alleging that the action of PWD was "illegal, arbitrary and without application of mind".
"Issue notice to the respondents," the court said, adding that after they file their replies then only we (the court and the petitioner) can find out the reason for such construction.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Prakash Kejriwal, who has sought directions against the arbitrary, unauthorised construction of central verge and closure of gaps in the colony road of GK Part II.
He has also sought a direction to conduct a study of the area and its impact on the residents and "until then to stop erection of the central verge as well as closure of gaps".
He has also alleged that closure of the gaps would lead to air and noise pollution due to traffic congestion.

The petitioner alleged that PWD has not taken approval of Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC), which was set up by the Delhi Development Authority.

He said that all the transportation projects/transport engineering solutions in Delhi by any agency having road engineering/infrastructure implication would require clearance of the centre (UTTIPEC).
"This would ensure the latest technology and research finding support is available to all new roads and projects," he added.
His counsel argued that PWD has not disclosed the study report as well as the order by which they started the said work.
"PWD is denying the rights of pedestrians," the plea said, adding that it would create a great traffic problem on that road.