Goa Government Cracks Down on Reckless Road Digging by Departments
Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat made a firm announcement in the state assembly on Wednesday. He declared an end to the chaotic practice of different departments digging up roads without proper coordination. The minister stated clearly that such reckless digging to lay utility lines will no longer be permitted across Goa.
Single Nodal Agency for All Road Digging Approvals
Within the next three months, the PWD will become the single nodal agency responsible for approving all road digging activities in the state. Kamat explained that a coordinating committee has already been formed under the PWD principal chief engineer. This committee will meet at least once every month to review and approve proposed digging works.
Only projects receiving committee approval will receive permission to dig roads for utility installation, the minister emphasized. This represents a significant shift from the current system where multiple departments could independently initiate digging projects.
Strict Timelines and Accountability Measures
The minister outlined several important changes to ensure better coordination. PWD executive engineers have been instructed to send circulars to all utility departments. These notices will provide a one-month window before any new road construction begins.
Utility departments must complete their underground work within this one-month period. If roads are dug up after resurfacing has been completed, the responsible PWD executive engineer will face liability for the resulting damage.
Kamat addressed the accountability issue directly. "People think that roads are without any guardian and dig them as and when they wish. They don't take permission before digging," he observed. The new system will fix clear responsibility on officials who fail to communicate properly with utility departments.
Extended Road Quality Guarantees
The minister announced another significant policy change. The defect liability period for major roads will increase from three years to five years. Contractors will need to include the additional cost of this extended guarantee in their contract terms.
Kamat believes this longer guarantee period will lead to better road construction and maintenance practices. The government has already floated a tender to appoint a new agency to replace RITES for monitoring road quality across the state.
Legislators Voice Concerns and Suggestions
MLA Krishna Salkar raised the issue during question hour, highlighting that PWD currently lacks information about other departments digging up newly resurfaced roads. Salkar advocated for a comprehensive policy with fixed restoration timeframes.
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao suggested creating a common dashboard to monitor all underground utility work across Goa. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai proposed GIS mapping of utility lines, warning that without proper mapping, Goa could face water contamination problems similar to those experienced in Indore.
The minister confirmed that utility departments have been asked to provide their upcoming work plans with exact schedules. This will enable better coordination and prevent the repeated digging that has plagued Goa's roads for years.
