Kerala Lokayukta orders removal of unauthorised, hazardous utility installations
The Kerala Lokayukta has directed the Public Works Department to remove hazardous and unauthorized utility installations from bridges and culverts within three months. The order follows complaints that protruding pipes and cables obstruct pedestrian pathways and pose safety risks.
Why it matters
This ruling addresses public safety concerns regarding infrastructure maintenance and the regulation of utility providers in public spaces.
The Chief Engineer of the Public Works department (PWD) (Bridges) has been asked to remove all unauthorised and hazardous utility installations, including protruding pipes, clamps, brackets, and cables, obstructing pedestrian pathways from its bridges and culverts within three months.
A Division Bench of the Lokayukta, consisting of Justice N. Anilkumar and Upa Lokayukta Justice Ashok Menon, issued the directive to the department in response to a petition filed by Ravi Ulleyeri of Kozhikode.
The complainant had pointed out that metal pipes laid for water supply and other public utilities and telecommunication cables drawn along the sides of the bridges had reduced the effective width of the bridges available for public use. The protruding pipes, clamps, brackets and supporting structures posed serious hazards to road users.
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