Workers execute the Japan International Cooperation Agency-funded sewerage work in Cuttack. Telegraph picture

Cuttack, Dec. 1: Orissa High Court has refused to conclude on the manner in which the sewerage system project is being executed in the city.

Larsen & Toubro is executing the Japan International Co-operation Agency-funded project.

A PIL had sought direction for formation of a committee to check laxity and ensure timely restoration of roads damaged during the project job.

The petitioner, Jayanti Das, 52, a social activist, also sought direction for formation of a contingency fund of 20 per cent of project cost by the company and regulated by the court to intervene in cases of damages caused due to the work.

“It is too early to come to a definite finding that the company is not executing the work in a proper perspective,” the division bench of Chief Justice Amitava Roy and Justice A.K. Rath observed in its order.

The court, however, has directed the company to take precautionary steps for safety of the public while executing the project, which involves construction of an underground gravity sewer line with a length of 375km and 29 pumping stations for collection and disposal of waste water.

The petitioner had alleged deterioration in condition of roads, traffic chaos and unsafe condition for commuters in various parts of Cuttack following the project work.

The court had closed hearing on the petition on November 17 without any immediate judgment. Subsequently, verdict on the petition followed, but it was not pronounced in the open court.

The company had undertaken the sewerage job through the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board. According to the pact drawn up with the board on January 31, 2013, the company is to complete the project in 36 months.

The court, however, acknowledged that it was a big project, and at the time of its execution, people faced difficulties.

Taking note of the company’s counter affidavit, the court, however, felt that the company had taken sufficient steps to avoid accident, for awareness and deployed its personnel at the working site.

“But one fact cannot be lost sight of. At the time of construction, the company used to dig holes. If an untoward incident happens, life will be lost. To avoid the said untoward incident, we direct, that, apart from providing required number of display boards pertaining to diversion of traffic at the working sites, steps should be taken for proper illumination during night and provide sufficient number of security personnel to avoid traffic congestion,” the bench said in its order while disposing of the petition.

The court also ordered for sufficient precautionary steps to check waterlogging.

The project also involved storm water drainage work to remove the problem in the city.

The petition had alleged that roads were dug up in the evening and left without filling them up, posing threat to safety of people and animals.

No proper illumination is given where roads are closed. Sand and stone chips, along with huge iron structures, have been left on the public road for months together. But, the problems are neither being addressed.