PANAJI: The North Goa District Magistrate has imposed restrictions on road digging and cutting, aerial photography, videography and flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in specified areas of Goa ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Goa on September 6 and 7.
The order issued by North Goa District Magistrate Ankit Yadav, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, cites security arrangements for Shah’s visit. The restrictions will be in force from 6 pm on September 5 to 7 pm on September 7.
Shah is scheduled to arrive in Goa on September 6 to inaugurate the BJP’s new state headquarters, BJP Bhavan. On September 7, he is scheduled to address BJP workers and interact with the party’s local leadership.
The road-cutting order prohibits digging or cutting of roads in specified areas without prior permission from the District Magistrate. The restricted stretches include NH-66 from Zuari Bridge to Merces Circle, the GMC service road up to Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon at Dona Paula, and NH-748 from Merces Circle to Old Goa.
Emergency or urgent works related to water, sewerage, electricity and other essential services may be considered. Applications must be routed through the concerned departments and submitted to the District Magistrate with recommendations and justification.
In a separate order, aerial photography, videography and flying of UAVs in any form have been prohibited within a 2-km radius of Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon at Dona Paula, the newly constructed State Office Building at Chimbel, Old Goa and the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Bambolim.
The 2-km restriction also applies along the specified routes, including NH-66 from Zuari Bridge to Merces Circle, the GMC service road to Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon and NH-748 from Merces Circle to Old Goa.
Police personnel and government officials or agencies using drones strictly for official duties are exempted, subject to conditions. Violations will invite action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
