Why no action on beach safety?, HC berates Govt

On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court pulled up the State Government for delaying implementation of a 2006 resolution, regarding steps to be taken for securing the beaches across the state.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Amjad Sayed was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Janhit Manch on the issue of beach safety.

It may be recalled that the HC had in 2006, issued directions to the government after which the State issued a resolution regarding the steps and measures that will be undertaken to ensure that all the beaches across the state are secured.

According to the resolution, the government proposed to deploy lifeguards for patrolling at beaches and also installation of signboards warning people regarding high tides and low tides.

On Tuesday, when the matter came up for hearing, Justice Oka said, “It has been more around 10 years and you have done nothing for implementation of the GR. There is ‘gross’ negligence on the part of the state in complying with the GR.”

The judges fumed when the government pleader sought for extension of three months for the implementation of the said GR.

“Since day one, what you do is ask for more time. We will grant the extension only if you (government) submit an undertaking that all the requirements (for implementation of GR) are fulfilled within three months,” the bench said.

Posting the matter for next week, the bench clarified that if the government fails to implement the GR even after submitting the undertaking, it (court) will issue contempt proceedings against the government.