The district administration of Bagalkot has decided to take stringent measures to remove encroachments and unauthorised commercial structures along highways in an effort to enhance road safety and reduce accidents in the region.
Deputy Commissioner's Directive
Deputy Commissioner Sangappa, while chairing the district-level task force committee meeting on highway safety, instructed officials to identify unauthorised shops, structures, and roadside establishments that impede safe vehicular movement. He emphasised that action should be initiated as per the existing rules and regulations.
Rising Accident Rates
The Deputy Commissioner noted that accidents on highways passing through the district have been increasing. He stressed the urgency of effectively implementing the Supreme Court's directives to reduce road mishaps. Officials from the National Highways Authority, Public Works Department (PWD), transport department, and police department will conduct a joint survey and prepare a comprehensive list of encroachments for removal.
Safety Measures and Compliance
Further, the DC instructed officials to identify accident-prone spots and implement necessary safety measures. Warning signboards, speed-control measures, and other precautionary steps must be effectively enforced. All concerned departments are required to submit compliance reports on these actions. He also sought reports regarding parking arrangements, roadside facilities, and other related works.
Police Cooperation
Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal assured that the police department would fully cooperate in the encroachment clearance drive. He suggested preparing a detailed list of encroached locations before initiating eviction and emphasised the need for coordinated action among all departments to ensure the success of the operation.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by PWD Executive Engineer Durgadas, National Highways Authority Project Director Pavan Kumar, Regional Transport Officer Chandrashekhar Patil, District Transport Officer KK Lamani, and other officials. The coordinated efforts are expected to significantly improve road safety in Bagalkot district.
