Kanpur: The Allahabad High Court has directed Kanpur Municipal Corporation to install green shade nets at appropriate locations during summer in the coming years without waiting for another public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue.
During a hearing on June 17, representatives of the municipal corporation and the deputy commissioner of traffic police had informed the court that green shades had been installed at eight locations following the petition. However, during the hearing on October 6, advocate Jasmeet Singh, son of the petitioner, contended that the arrangements were inadequate, as shades had been installed at only eight locations and covered just two sides of the road junctions. Taking note of the submissions, the high court allowed the PIL on Oct 6 and directed the authorities to install green shades at the required locations during future summers without waiting for another petition on the issue.
In his petition, Arora submitted that people waiting at busy traffic junctions were suffering from dehydration and other health problems due to scorching summer heat. He sought directions to the municipal corporation and traffic police to install high-clearance green shade nets or canopy screens at major traffic intersections, railway and bus approach roads, particularly along the GT Road corridor in Kanpur. He also sought installation at a safe height in accordance with relevant Indian Road Congress guidelines. They argued that the PIL had consequently become infructuous. Counsel for the respondents assured the court that necessary measures would be taken in the coming years.
Singh urged the court to direct the authorities to extend the arrangements to more locations and ensure installation before the onset of summer, preferably from May onwards.