HC seeks evidence of removal of toilets from river banks

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 19: High Court today directed the authorities to place before it the proposal of constructing public toilets and latrines and also photographic evidence of removing the toilets on river banks.
Hearing the PIL after multi-crore embezzlement of public exchequer was unearthed in PHE Department of Handwara Division way back in the year 2014 and extending its scope to supply of pure water to the general public, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar directed the PHE authorities to place the photographic evidence of removed toilets situated on either sides of river banks.
The direction followed after the PHE counsel submitted that as directed by the court all the toilets and latrines situated on river banks have been demolished. Court has also directed for construction of new toilets with a feasible location.
Direction for placing the proposal of Government for construction of additional public toilets before the court has also been passed to which the state counsel assured that the proposal would be placed before the court next date. Court has observed that it is imperative for the authorities to make availability of public toilets for the convenience of public.
Court had warned for initiation of contempt proceedings against all the concerned officials with the observation as it is a matter of serious concern as the water bodies are main source of drinking water for consumption by the inhabitants of the State.
The drinking water scheme in Handwara division was carried under National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) but the amount which was to be incurred on the scheme has been embezzled by the officials of PHE Department due to which the project has not been completed and today extending the scope of the PIL court directed for appraisal of other water schemes in the valley from the CE.
It may be mentioned here that approximately Rs 45 crores has been swindled and the money was meant for the scheme launched under NRDWP to provide the drinking water to the people of district Handwara and its adjoining hilly areas.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here