As Gujarat faces relentless monsoon rains, alarming videos showing crater-like potholes on National Highways have gone viral on social media. The worst-affected area is Valsad district, where the condition of roads on both National Highway 48 (NH-48) and State Highways has rapidly deteriorated, posing a grave risk to commuters.
Also Read: IAS Arpit Sagar Commended for Taking Bold Action on Road Safety in Gujarat
Potholes Resemble Lunar Surface, Delay Traffic, Risk Lives
Recent visuals from Valsad show potholes resembling the surface of the Moon or Mars, highlighting the severe neglect in road maintenance. These road conditions have not only caused traffic disruptions but also increased the chances of fatal accidents. Vehicles are struggling to cover even short distances in the expected time due to massive craters along key routes.
Mr. Bhavya Verma Orders Criminal Action in Case of Negligence
Taking a firm stance, Valsad Collector Mr. Bhavya Verma has issued strict instructions to repair NH-48 immediately. In a strongly worded order, he directed the police to take criminal action if any fatalities occur due to negligence in road maintenance.
He clearly stated that if the contractor responsible fails to repair the roads within the stipulated time and a human life is lost due to the potholes, then a case under Section 106 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal negligence causing death should be filed.
Mr. Verma emphasized that police must enforce this action without fail. NH-48 is a major highway connecting Gujarat to Mumbai, and its poor condition demands urgent attention.
Precedent Set by Ms. Arpit Sagar in Mahisagar
Mr. Verma’s decisive action follows a similar move by Mahisagar Collector Ms. Arpit Sagar, who recently fined an official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the neglected state of NH-47. Her initiative has inspired other officers to act more decisively on road safety concerns.
Who is Mr. Bhavya Verma?
Mr. Bhavya Verma is a 2016-batch IAS officer who assumed charge as Valsad Collector in April. Originally from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, he was born on November 13, 1988. Mr. Verma holds an impressive academic record, including a B.Tech, an MBA in Finance and International Trade, an MA in Public Management, and an MA in Economics.
Before his current role, he served as the District Development Officer (DDO) of Kutch district and also worked as Director of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban. Known for his proactive administrative style, Mr. Verma is recognized for his swift and assertive governance.
Mr. Verma’s tough stance on road negligence serves as a powerful message for contractors and government officials alike, prioritizing the safety and rights of the common people in Gujarat.
