ORDER
1. Today Advocate General has filed a report, Central Government has also filed its counter-affidavit.
2. From perusal of the report field by the Advocate General, it is clear that several meetings have been held in the Chamber of the Advocate General attended by Various Officials of the Road Construction Department, National Highway Wing, National Highway Circle and other Officials. In fact, the Officials informed the Advocate General that the entire amount allotted by the Central Government in respect of various items have been spent, on account of which there is overall and substantial improvement in National Highway Roads passing through the State of Jharkhand.
3. With respect to the availability of fund under various heads, a chart has been given therein and it would indicate that for the year 2007-08, Rs. 57.25 crores was available and the entire amount spent. Similarly for the year 2008-09, Rs. 173.25 crores has been allocated.
4. The report of the Advocate General indicates that the approach of the Central Government has become very constructive and objective during the current year 2008-09 and that the entire Annual Plan submitted by the Road Construction Department, Government of Jharkhand, has been accepted by the Central Government and a total amount of Rs. 173.25 crores have been allocated for N.H. (O), which has been communicated by the Chief Engineer through letter dated 3.4.2008. In addition to the aforesaid amount of Rs. 173.24 crores, Annual plan under different other heads have been approved including Rs. 34.56 crores under periodical renewals and Rs. 3.75 crores under Flood Damage Repair. So, it is clear that the amount allocated in this year is more than that of the last year.
5. According to the Advocate General, both the Road Construction Department of the State Government and of Central Government have become active and vibrant on account of the various orders passed by this Court and there has been overall improvement in the conditions of the road of National Highways. It is also stated in the report that the Officials of the Road Construction Department have assured to continue the works with utmost sincerity and dedication so that there is marked improvement in the condition of National Highways running through the State of Jharkhand. The Officials have further undertaken that by 31st May, 2008, all the roads will have a smooth riding surface in respect of the National Highways in the State of Jharkhand, which is 1648 Kms. Besides, the Central Government has approved Rs. 146.42 lacs for “Reconstruction of High Level Minor Bridge Over Terhki Nala at Km. 203 on N.H. 75 of Garhwa Nagar-Murisermar Road” through letter dated 31.3.2008. It is stated that two months will be taken for inviting N.I.T. for allotment of the work and further 18 months will be taken for completion of the bridge. It is also stated that after completion of the bridge, a great hurdle on the said road will be removed.
6. That apart, the Central Government has approved a sum of Rs. 656.51 lacs in respect of “Construction of Balance Work of Approaches and Viaducts of ROB at Chakrdharpur in Km. 117 of NH- 75(E) of Ranchi Chaibasa Section” through letter dated 28.3.2008. In respect of those works, a period of two months will take for invitation of NIT and then two years thereafter, the works will be completed. The Superintending Engineers of National Highways Circle, Ranchi and Dhanbad, have submitted progress report/status report as to the works being executed on 11.4.2008.
7. Advocate General in the report would indicate that several efforts have been made for improvement of National Highways and also assure that by 31st May, 2008, the overall condition of the National Highways will considerably be improved.
8. The Central Government in consonance with the report of the Advocate General has mentioned as to the sanction of three items that sanction has already been given in respect of two items and the other is in the process of being sanctioned. The statement of the Central Government is recorded. Further the Central Government is directed to expedite and complete the process of granting sanction.
9. The various reports filed by the Advocate General periodically including the report filed today would indicate that the officials of both the State Government and Central Government have respected the orders of the High Court and in pursuance thereof, all efforts have been taken by the Advocate General by holding various meetings, on account of which concrete action has been taken for improvement of the road condition of the National Highway.
10. While appreciating the efforts taken by the officials of both the State Government and Central Government and also by the Advocate General and Mr. Khan, counsel appearing for the Central Government, we are to remind the officials concerned that the works will be continued with all sincerity, as assured and undertaken by them in the report.
11. If any violation is there or lack of sincerity found, it will be open to the parties, either the State Government or the petitioner, to bring this fact before this Court by filing a separate application. In that event, this Court will take very serious view and action. We hope that this situation will not occur and the conditions of the National Highways will be completely improved by 31st May, 2008. We also hope and trust in the words of the Advocate General contained in the report that the National Highways in the State of Jharkhand can favourably be compared with good National Highways of any other State by the end of this year.
12. Before parting with these matters, we appreciate the laudable assistance and service rendered by Pandey Neeraj Rai, Ram Kishore Prasad, Pawan Kumar Sahu and M. Jagannath. With these observations, these PILs are disposed of.
13. Let copies of this order be given to the counsel appearing for the parties.