In a significant move to address public inconvenience and infrastructure damage, South Goa district authorities have imposed a complete ban on all road-digging activities across the district. The prohibition comes as relief to residents tired of disrupted traffic and damaged thoroughfares.
District Magistrate Issues Official Order
District Magistrate Egna Cleetus formally issued the directive on Tuesday under Section 163 of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order effectively bars any person, agency, or organization from digging or excavating roads, road shoulders, lanes, or thoroughfares within North district's territorial jurisdiction.
The ban came into immediate effect on Tuesday and will remain enforced through November 28, providing residents with temporary respite from the constant road works that have plagued the region.
Strict Deadlines for Road Restoration
In addition to the digging ban, the district administration has set a firm deadline for ongoing projects. All government departments currently engaged in road-digging work must restore affected roads to their original condition by November 26.
This restoration requirement aims to ensure that any existing infrastructure damage is promptly addressed before the monsoon season exacerbates the problems. The directive shows the administration's commitment to maintaining public infrastructure and minimizing citizen inconvenience.
Legal Consequences for Violations
The order carries teeth, with clear consequences for non-compliance. Violations by any department will attract strict action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023, indicating the seriousness with which the district administration is treating the issue.
This legal framework under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita provides stronger enforcement mechanisms compared to previous regulations, allowing authorities to take decisive action against violators.
The temporary ban reflects growing concerns about the impact of unchecked road digging on urban infrastructure and daily life in South Goa. Residents and commuters have long complained about the constant disruptions caused by multiple agencies working on roads without proper coordination.
