SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, April 16: Taking serious note of traffic chaos and safety risks around a steel plant in Saraikela-Kharsawan, the Jharkhand High Court has ruled that heavy vehicles linked to the unit cannot occupy public roads in a way that disrupts traffic or endangers commuters.
No obstruction of roads by plant-linked trucks
Hearing a public interest litigation, the division bench of Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar observed that trucks ferrying goods to and from the Chaliyama Steel Plant were using public roads as makeshift parking spaces, squeezing out other road users and increasing accident risks.
In a key direction, the court made it clear that authorities must ensure that such vehicles are not allowed to block or dominate public roads, stressing that road space must be shared equitably.
The court noted that while industries have the right to use public infrastructure, such use cannot be disproportionate or at the cost of public safety.
Court mandates parking compliance, healthcare push
The bench directed the state to strictly enforce building by-laws requiring industries to provide adequate parking on their premises, so that public roads are not misused. It also asked authorities to act on a report highlighting the need for wider roads, designated parking zones, better lighting, and traffic-monitoring systems in the area. A decision on these measures must be taken within three months and implemented in a time-bound manner.
Recognising gaps in emergency care, the court flagged the lack of adequate medical facilities near the industrial zone, noting that the nearest major hospital is around 12 km away. It directed the state to take a policy decision within three months on setting up trauma and emergency care centres along the affected highway stretch, and to explore support from the steel plant under its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules
The court also called for strict enforcement of traffic rules, continuous monitoring to prevent illegal roadside parking, and coordination among state agencies, police and highway authorities to improve road conditions and safety. A compliance report is to be filed within six months.
Emphasising that the right to health is integral to the right to life, the court underlined that industrial growth cannot come at the cost of human safety and access to timely medical care.