MARGAO
South Goa District Collector, Egna Cleetus, has issued an order prohibiting all individuals and agencies from digging any type of roads, road shoulders, lanes, or thoroughfares in the district.
The decision comes as a preventive measure to ensure public safety during the monsoon season, when exposed or incomplete roads could pose significant risks to pedestrians, vehicles, and the general public. The ban, effective from May 15, will remain in force until July 13.
However, road digging will be allowed with prior written permission from the District Collector and relevant authorities. In cases where urgent road cutting is necessary for water, sewerage, electrical connections, or other services, applications from the general public, government departments, and agencies will be processed by the concerned department. These requests will then be forwarded to the Collector’s office with recommendations and justifications for further action.
In her order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Collector highlighted the safety risks posed by road digging during the monsoon season. “Digging roads or parts thereof during the monsoons can pose serious dangers to pedestrians, vehicles, and the general public. A swift remedy is necessary to prevent such digging during the season in South Goa District. Ongoing digging work must be completed or halted, and the roads restored to their normal condition,” the order reads.
