Govt fails to file reply on open manholes, HC grants 2 weeks

Guwahati: State govt on Monday failed to submit the affidavit Gauhati high court had sought on steps taken and proposed measures regarding covering of open manholes in the city.The division bench of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury expressed dissatisfaction over the matter. During the hearing, the chief justice said, “We are not happy at this. Gigantic efforts will have to be undertaken.” He added that the court does not want to hear about any life loss due to open drains.Advocate Sandeep Chamaria, who filed the petition highlighting the recurring artificial floods in the city and the issue of open manholes that claim lives, said, “On May 12, the court directed authorities to cover all open manholes and drains in Guwahati and to submit an affidavit regarding the steps taken. However, govt failed to do so and sought, more time.”The high court has granted two weeks.He added that the division bench observed that no innocent citizen should lose life due to open manholes.Advocate Chamaria has filed a separate petition raising concern over recurring artificial floods and unsafe drainage infrastructure. The bench directed govt to respond to this petition as well on the next date.