PANAJI
Digging of roads will be an ill of the past in the monsoon season if an order issued under section 144 of the Criminal procedure Code by North Goa Collector Ajit Roy, IAS, is taken seriously and implemented strictly.
“Whereas, it is expedient to impose a ban on digging and cutting of all types of roads, including National Highways, State Highways, Major District roads, road-shoulders, lanes, thoroughfares etc., during the monsoons as these activities pose imminent danger and disruption to the life of motorists, pedestrians and general public,” Roy's order states.
It however exempts public utilities --Electricity, BSNL and PWD -- for urgent repairs of electric and telecom cables or pipelines.
Also local bodies will be permitted to dig roads for repairs and for diversion of water in emergency cases, provided these are filled up and restored within six hours and properly paved or cemented within 24 hours, Roy's order said, adding it will be in force during June and July.
