FIRs for road digging without approval: Kamat

Panaji: PWD minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday warned that strict action, including the filing of FIRs, will be taken against any agency that digs up roads without permission, even if the violator is a govt department.

Kamat said a high-powered committee headed by a PWD chief engineer, with the chief engineer of the electricity department among its members, has been constituted to monitor road-cutting activities across the state.

“If anyone, including the electricity department, BSNL or any other agency, digs a road without permission, an FIR will be filed against them,” Kamat said.

The minister also claimed that all major roads in the state have been resurfaced ahead of the monsoon season, as directed by his department.

Meanwhile, the North Goa district magistrate has issued an order prohibiting any person, agency or organisation from digging up roads, road shoulders, lanes or thoroughfares without prior written permission from the district magistrate.

The order has been issued in view of the monsoon, when road excavation can pose serious risks to pedestrians and motorists.

According to the order, dug-up stretches can lead to waterlogging, slippery surfaces and skidding hazards.