HC issues notice to Home Secretary over dumping of accident-damaged vehicles on Airport and Court roads
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, July 4
Taking serious note of the dumping of accident-damaged vehicles along major roads in the state capital, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notice to the Home Secretary of the state government in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning abandoned vehicles on the Taradevi Airport Road.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi passed the order while hearing the PIL on July 1. The court sought a response from the state government after the petitioner highlighted that the Airport Road near Taradevi has virtually become a dumping ground for vehicles involved in road accidents.
According to the petition, several accident-damaged vehicles have been lying along the roadside for long periods, obstructing road maintenance work, reducing the available carriageway and creating inconvenience for commuters. The petitioner contended that such dumping also poses safety hazards and reflects poor management of public infrastructure.
Also Read
HC seeks state, centre reply on PIL against STP near Gambhar khud source
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court observed that the right of way along major public roads cannot be permitted to be used as a dumping site by the police or any other agency. The Bench emphasized that roads are meant for public use and their margins must remain free from obstructions.
The petitioner also pointed out that a similar situation exists on the Court Road in Shimla, where a number of accident-damaged vehicles have been parked for extended periods, causing congestion and affecting smooth traffic movement in one of the city’s busiest stretches.
The court has directed the Home Secretary to file a response on the issue and explain the steps taken for the removal and proper disposal of such vehicles. The matter will come up for further hearing after the state files its reply.
The PIL seeks directions to the authorities to ensure that accident-damaged vehicles are shifted to designated yards instead of being left on public roads, thereby safeguarding road safety, facilitating maintenance works and preventing unnecessary encroachment on public spaces.
About the Author
