All authorities must ensure adequate road access before approving any project, as proper access is essential for public convenience and basic infrastructure. Road access is critical for emergency preparedness. Fire tenders, ambulances and police vehicles must be able to reach project sites safely and without obstruction. Similarly, heavy machinery, cement trucks and other material-delivery vehicles require roads that are sufficiently wide, stable and suitable for their use. Before granting approvals, authorities must also ensure that approach roads do not involve land disputes, encroachments or landlocked properties. Essential pre-approval checks should include confirmation that the approach road is either public or secured through a permanent, registered legal easement. The width of the access road, its surface, whether concrete or asphalt, and adequate drainage must also be verified and finalised before approval. Formal approvals from the local body, or NHAI access permission where a project connects to a major highway or MDR, must be obtained wherever applicable. Adequate road access should be treated as an essential zoning and building regulation requirement.
RAJESH BANAULIKAR , Arpora
