Other States - Orissa   

Citizens approach court for improved sanitation

BERHAMPUR: People of the city have started to approach court for proper drainage and sanitation in their areas as last resort due to alleged inaction of the local municipality and Berhampur Development Authority (BDA)."When authorities do not heed to repeated complaints and requests, court the only resort for a common man," said president of the Ganjam Bar Association Sudhansu Panda. At least the court can direct the municipality and BDA to realise their duties towards the citizens, he said.

Citizens of different areas of the city are now planning to file cases in the court requesting it to intervene and direct authorities to alleviate deteriorating sanitary condition in areas of the city.

One such case has been filed at the Berhampur SDJM court by senior lawyer Bhagaban Sahu on behalf of residents of eighth and ninth lanes of Gandhinagar. Gandhinagar happens to be one of the posh localities in the heart of the city. But the irony is that it is yet to have proper drainage system which has affected the sanitary condition of the area.

Mr Sahu alleged that drinking water sources like wells and tubewells were getting polluted due to lack of pucca drains in the area.

Mr Sahu filed the case against the chairperson and executive officer of Berhampur municipality, chairman and secretary of the BDA.

According to him although these bodies collect tax from citizens for the purpose they are lacking in their duties.

The municipal authorities are a worried lot due to this trend of filing of cases as with rise in this kind of cases it would be an added burden for them.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Award conferred on five litterateurs
Fair deal for the aged sought
‘Chitra utsav’ screening schedule announced
Citizens approach court for improved sanitation
Cattle grazing leads to tension
A positive approach for HIV+ persons
Rallies galore in capital city
Major political parties in poll mode in State
Slump in fish catch forces fisherfolk to migrate

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu