SHILLONG: The division bench of the High Court of Meghalaya has asked the state government to ensure passage of pedestrians through zebra crossings.
Disposing of a PIL by Tilok Dasgupta, the court said on Tuesday that an additional affidavit has been filed by the Executive Engineer PWD (Roads) National Highways Division, East Khasi Hills stating therein that markings have been completed regarding 42 points as were earlier identified for zebra crossings. In addition, 26 more points have been marked at various locations as mentioned in the affidavit and work has been completed.
The court observed that requisite affidavit by the Assistant Inspector General of Police has not been filed, however, additional senior government advocate assured allotment of special funds for printing pamphlets, banners and engaging volunteers.
100 home guards
to be deployed
In response to another direction regarding deployment of Home Guards so as to assist awareness programme, it has been stated in the affidavit that the matter has been taken up with the Assistant Inspector General of Police for deploying 100 volunteers of Home Guards to man the zebra crossings in Shillong which is under consideration of the government.
In response to another direction regarding WT message to various police stations, traffic branches, outposts and beat houses for conducting awareness programme about the importance of zebra crossings involving safety of pedestrians, in the affidavit it has been stated that different traffic branches in Shillong had conducted awareness programme with the assistance of the students of Martin Luther Christian University, on several dates.
Telecast by Doordarshan
Regarding another direction pertaining to the awareness programme to be telecast by the Doordarshan Kendra Shillong, it has been stated in the affidavit that the matter has been taken up with the Director Doordarshan Kendra Shillong and they have accepted the request as a result, utilization of zebra crossings was telecast by the Doordarshan Kendra Shillong from June 29 on regular basis at 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm for duration of 2 minutes respectively.
The court said the object of the PIL has been substantially achieved. However, the counsel for the petitioner submitted that though zebra crossings have been painted, keeping in view the weather condition in Meghalaya, the painting may fade or disappear due to heavy rain.
Court to monitor zebra crossings
“If the proceedings of the PIL are closed, the respondent authorities will close the chapter but such a submission has to be taken care of and the respondent authorities will maintain the zebra crossings and will abide by the directions of this court which have been issued from time to time”, the order said.
The government, however, assured that whatever work has been done in compliance to various directions issued from time to time will be maintained and updated according to the required standards from time to time.
In view of this, the PIL was disposed of by the court by making it clear that in case at any point of time the respondent authorities show any type of negligence in maintaining the zebra crossings, it will be open to the counsel for the petitioner and any citizen to lay a motion before the court.
