PANJIM: In a bid to stop haphazard digging of roads by agencies and individuals which poses danger to pedestrians and motorists, the South Goa Magistrate has ordered an immediate stop to digging in the jurisdiction without permission.
A notification issued by District Magistrate Dr Tariq Thomas states that digging of roads or a part thereof may pose serious danger to pedestrians and motor vehicles during monsoons and, speedy remedy is desirable to prevent such digging of the road.
Hence, it says, the ongoing works of digging are required to be stopped and roads restored to normal condition.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, do hereby prohibit any person/agency/organisation from digging any road or a part thereof without the written permission of the undersigned, in the territorial jurisdiction of South Goa District, the notification reads.
Further, it says, the persons/agencies involved in currently dug up roads or parts thereof, are also ordered to restore them to normal condition with immediate effect.
“The circumstances do not permit serving of the notice in due time to the person/persons involved in digging of road or a part thereof, the order is passed ex-parte,” the notifications says.
The notification orders police officers of the rank of Police Inspectors and above of South Goa District to ensure effective implementation of the order and if any person/agency/organization violates the order, appropriate action under Section 188 IPC may be initiated against the same.
