MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the BMC to file periodical reports every three months on the construction update of the foot over bridge or skywalk in Bandra east. The construction work began on March 1, 2024 submitted BMC and senior counsel Anil Singh representing it said he was not justifying the delay but said the administrative and procedural aspects took a long time.
Last week the HC bench of CJ Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor had admonished the BMC for the year long delay despite its assurance to the court in a petition filed by former HC staff, KPP Nair on the need to rebuild the skywalk, the absence of which causes immense hardships to pedestrians heading to the MHADA end and BKC from the railway station.
The HC also asked the BMC higher ups to connect with officials from MMRDA and Railway to figure what if anything needs to be done about a footpath at the ground level.
On Wednesday the HC asked Singh, the former ASG why was it that the civic officers had not abided by their solemn words in the affidavit filed last year before another bench that heard and disposed of the matter. Last April the BMC said it would complete rebuilding and restoration of the skywalk that was pulled down, in 15 months.
Singh, submitted a list of dates. He said the BMC had on April 25, 2023 immediately after the then HC order in Nair’s plea, had appointed a consultant. That consultant on May 15 submitted a feasibility report.
“Does it takae a year’s time” to proceed and begin work? asked the HC when informed that work began this month. “That too in a matter where you (BMC) gave an assurance to this court. If you can’t honour words given to the court….”the bench trailed off. The former additional solicitor general agreed that it could have been done earlier, but said the BMC officer is present in court.
On the officer’s instruction, the BMC counsel said the new skywalk will be completed in 15 months from now including the monsoon months.
Last week the HC bench of CJ Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor had admonished the BMC for the year long delay despite its assurance to the court in a petition filed by former HC staff, KPP Nair on the need to rebuild the skywalk, the absence of which causes immense hardships to pedestrians heading to the MHADA end and BKC from the railway station.
The HC also asked the BMC higher ups to connect with officials from MMRDA and Railway to figure what if anything needs to be done about a footpath at the ground level.
On Wednesday the HC asked Singh, the former ASG why was it that the civic officers had not abided by their solemn words in the affidavit filed last year before another bench that heard and disposed of the matter. Last April the BMC said it would complete rebuilding and restoration of the skywalk that was pulled down, in 15 months.
Singh, submitted a list of dates. He said the BMC had on April 25, 2023 immediately after the then HC order in Nair’s plea, had appointed a consultant. That consultant on May 15 submitted a feasibility report.
“Does it takae a year’s time” to proceed and begin work? asked the HC when informed that work began this month. “That too in a matter where you (BMC) gave an assurance to this court. If you can’t honour words given to the court….”the bench trailed off. The former additional solicitor general agreed that it could have been done earlier, but said the BMC officer is present in court.
On the officer’s instruction, the BMC counsel said the new skywalk will be completed in 15 months from now including the monsoon months.
