The Times of India 07.03.2013
Cuttack urban body out to clear road blocks
Municipal Corporation (CMC) has launched a crackdown on those dumping
construction materials and debris on the roadside. It has formed five
squads that are carrying out the raids. “The CMC has the power to punish
those dumping building materials, debris, and stones on roads and other
public places. However, we are right now creating awareness about the
restriction by imposing fine on the violators. The erring people have
been warned,” said a CMC official. The raids will continue for the next
few weeks.
He said in 2012-13, the CMC had collected a
fine of Rs 2.86 lakh from people dumping debris and construction
materials. The civic body has targeted to collect Rs 6 lakh as fine from
the violators in 2013-14. “Despite restrictions, construction material
is still being dumped on the roadside. This creates serious traffic
problems and also poses threat to the lives of commuters. This year, the
raids will be intensified and we are hopeful of meeting the target,”
said a senior CMC official.
Denizens alleged that the condition
of roads in Markat Nagar, Nuabazaar and Buxibazaar is very bad as
people stack construction materials on the roadside. “Heaps of
construction materials dumped on the roadside is a common sight in every
lane of Markat Nagar. Commuters face a lot of problem as the roads get
congested. The violators should be dealt with an iron hand,” said Manoj Das, a resident of CDA.
Officials at CMC said there is provision that before dumping
construction materials the contractors and denizens should seek
permission from the civic body, but nobody follows it. “It has been
observed that the builders and contractors are unloading their
construction material on corporation roads. In some areas, we have found
that construction material is unloaded on the storm water drain choking
it. People also find it difficult maneuvering these roads. We will
intensify the raids in the days to come,” said a CMC engineer.
