Bombay HC refuses to stay razing of Carnac Bunder bridge

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has refused to stay the dismantling of the Carnac Bunder Bridge in south Mumbai stating that the lives of people were important and they could suffer some inconvenience with the removal of the bridge.

The Court also directed the DRM of central Railways and the BMC to conduct a survey and resolve the issue of encroachments and dilapidated buildings in the vicinity of the bridge that could hamper its reconstruction. The Carnac Bunder bridge has been declared dangerous and in need of demolition by an expert committee of the BMC and Railways.

They petitioner however opposed the demolition stating that whiner the Hancock bridge was delayed the demolition of the Carnac bridge would lead to chaos as proper alternatives or routes were not provided by the authorities, the demolition of the bridge would create additional traffic problems and inconvenience to the public.

A division bench of justices Naresh Patil and G.S. Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist Kamlakar Shenoy seeking directions to the state and BMC to expedite the construction of Hancock Bridge at Mazgaon.

After hearing all sides the bench refused to stay the demolition of the bridge and said that the report of the bridge being weak was stated by an expert committee of the railways and hence could not be disputed.

“The lives of people are important and if they have to undergo some inconvenience after the bridge is demolished they should endure it,” said Mr Patil.