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Judgment
Biswanath Somadder, CJ
Even though it was known to every stakeholder that today was scheduled for hearing of this rather important matter, not a single officer of NHPC is present in Court to assist its learned advocate, which we consider a matter of sheer of callousness and negligence, especially considering the issue involved being of immense public importance. Since the learned Deputy Solicitor General is present in Court representing other Government of India institutions, we request her to have a word with highest competent authority of NHPC so that on the next date of hearing, competent officials of NHPC are present in Court and instructions are readily provided to enable the learned advocate representing NHPC to assist this Court effectively.
On behalf of the Executive Engineer - II, PW (Roads) Directorate, National Highway Division - IX, Siliguri, it is submitted that the two main stretches, which have been severely damaged by landslides are now being taken up for extensive repairing through a new contractor, namely, M/s. Dipankar Mallik, who has assured the learned Senior Advocate representing the State of West Bengal that the entire repairing work will be completed by the end of April, 2023. We, however, desire — in public interest — that the entire work should be completed latest by the second week of April, 2023, since pre-monsoon showers are likely to occur during or after that point of time and it will be difficult for the contractor (M/s. Dipankar Mallik) to complete the entire work in a satisfactory manner, thereafter.
With regard to an immediate short term solution regarding the drainage system and culverts which are blocked along National Highway 10 between Sevoke and Rangpo, it appears that the Executive Engineer - II, PW (Roads) Directorate, National Highway Division - IX, Siliguri, has supplied its estimate of approximately Rs.5,00,00,000/- (Rupees five crores only), to the Chief Engineer and R.O., Kolkata, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), having his/her office at the CGO Complex, Salt Lake, Kolkata, by a letter dated 09th February, 2023, which, we are informed, is under process. Considering the public interest involved, we request the learned Deputy Solicitor General to immediately take up the matter with the Chief Engineer and R.O., Kolkata, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), so that the requisite funds are released at the earliest and the work can commence before the first week of April, 2023.
Let this matter appear for further consideration under an appropriate heading on 28th March, 2023.