Bombay High Court raps state for 10-year delay in implementing GR on beach safety

The Bombay high court rapped the state government on Tuesday when the latter asked for a three-month extension to comply with all the beach safety measures that were mentioned in a 2006 government resolution (GR).

“You (the state government) have sanctioned funds for beach safety, but, apart from that, you have hardly done anything for beach safety. On March 4, we had directed you to implement all the safety measures on beaches by the end of July 31, but you didn’t. This is a gross default on the state’s part,” said Justice Abhay Oka.

The court also observed that the state has not yet decided which beaches need to have sirens, lifeguards and safety nets placed there.

“For the past 10 years, you did not comply with the measures of your own GR and now you want a three-month extension. Do you know how many people have died on beaches in these 10 years ” Justice Oka asked

“If you give an undertaking that you will complete all the safety measures that were mentioned in the GR within three months, we will then give you the extension,” court clarified. The court has asked state to submit its reply on September 6.

The HC was hearing a PIL filed by an NGO, Janhit Manch, after 14 students drowned off Murud Janjira beach near Alibaug earlier this year.