SC issues notice on framing Master Plan for Haridwar

Devotees converging towards the bank of Ganges river to take holy dip on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya in Haridwar on Aug. 29, 2011. A file photo.

The Supreme Court has sought the response of Uttarakhand government on framing comprehensive rules for development of basic infrastructure in Haridwar in view of alleged lack of planning.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued notice to the State government and other authorities seeking their response on why they have not framed a new Master Plan for the city after the last one lapsed in 2001.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by a Haridwar resident Upendra Dutt Sharma pleading that there is a complete mess in the city due to lack of proper planning, influx of new vehicles and increased population in the pilgrim town.

“The traffic conditions in Haridwar have come in a state of total mess on account of large number of influx of new vehicles in the limited space of roads available in the city though the number of vehicles have increased many fold in the past decade. However, on infrastructure front the local authorities and the State Government have done nothing,” advocate Anurag Tomar, appearing for the petitioner, claimed.

He pleaded that that Master Plan for the year 1985 to 2001 for the city of Haridwar came to an end and after that no Master Plan has been formulated for the city of Haridwar.

Mr. Sharma approached the apex court after the Uttarakhand High Court had refused to entertain his PIL.

Challenging the High Court order, Mr. Sharma submitted that court must interfere in the issue as the government has failed in its duty.

“It is obligatory upon the State government and the development authorities to provide a meaningful and dignified life to its citizens which includes providing of basic amenities of the life like good roads, affordable housing, clean water supply, street lightening, water drainage system, sewerage and public works and other convenience,” he said in his petition.

“Infrastructure of Haridwar has totally collapsed with the sharp rise in the population and number of vehicles plying in the city and there is apathy of the State government and the development authorities in providing a solution by means of planned development of the city to address the difficulties of the residents,” the petition said.