Nagpur, India: City-based non-profit organisation Janmanch has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, challenging the large-scale construction of cement concrete roads (CCR) in the city. The petition highlights serious environmental and public health risks, prompting the court to issue notices to multiple government authorities, including the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Janmanch argues that cement roads contribute to rising temperatures and release more carbon dioxide than traditional bitumen roads. The organisation also claims that these roads prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground, leading to severe waterlogging and urban flooding. Additionally, the rigid surface of cement roads increases vehicle fuel consumption, worsens air pollution, and causes driver fatigue.

The petition further states that the hardness of cement roads makes them more accident-prone. It claims that vehicles tend to bounce on these roads, increasing the risk of injuries, including joint pain for commuters and severe trauma in case of accidents.

Janmanch has also raised concerns over the quality of materials used in cement road construction. It cites the example of a cement road built in Wanadongri in 2012, which reportedly developed cracks within a year and has now deteriorated completely. The use of fly ash from thermal power plants in road construction has also been questioned, with claims that it reduces durability.

The petition highlights another major issue—cement roads being built over existing bitumen roads, significantly raising their height. This has led to drainage and waterlogging problems for adjoining houses, affecting residents. The organisation alleges that the projects have been undertaken without proper planning, environmental impact assessments, or technical evaluations.

A division bench of Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi heard the case on Wednesday and issued notices to various central and state authorities, including:

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

• National Highways Authority of India

• Maharashtra Public Works Department

• Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation

• Nagpur Municipal Corporation

• Nagpur Improvement Trust

• MahaMetro

• Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority

The respondents have been directed to file their replies within three weeks. Advocate Parvez Mirza is representing the petitioner in the case.

The petition also draws attention to the deteriorating air quality in Nagpur. The city is among 131 Indian cities that have failed to maintain safe air standards over the past five years, leading to the launch of the National Clean Air Programme by the central government. According to Janmanch, around 700 kilometres of cement roads have already been constructed in Nagpur, contributing to worsening air pollution and infrastructure challenges.

With the case now before the High Court, the debate over the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of cement roads is set to intensify.