Strict action against illegal digging, says PMC; too late, remind citizens
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Pune: The civic road department has warned of strict action against illegal digging of roads by developers and builders to lay MSEDCL cables and water and drainage lines, but citizens and civic activists have said the announcement has come too late and excavations without permissions are midway through.
In a circular issued on June 17, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)'s road department said it had been observed that illegal digging of city roads and footpaths to lay service lines was underway. Various measures were being planned to arrest such attempts. The administration said it will file complaints with the police against those involved in such illegal activities without paying digging charges. The administration also said it will approach MSEDCL and urged it to not give power connections to those involved in illegal road digging for power cables.
Developers and builders will not receive no objection certificates (NOC) from various PMC departments in case of non-payment of digging charges. The administration also plans to not approve building construction works if developers fail to pay the penalty.
PMC's road department head Aniruddha Pawaskar said the steps aim to restrict illegal excavations of roads without prior intimation. Civic executive and deputy engineers will inspect their areas and initiate action.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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itizens have appreciated PMC's move, but expressed apprehensions over its execution. Activist Vikram Gaikwad said the administration's directives should not remain on paper. "PMC's instructions are based on good intentions, but the directives are not implemented effectively. We expect the authorities to take strict action against illegal digging and contractors failing to reinstate the roads," he said.
Kothrud resident Govind Kale said PMC issued the directives "very late." "Instructions should have come in April — before the monsoon arrived. We also wonder why local officials do not keep a watch on illegal digging within their jurisdictions," he added.
Sources from the administration said such illegal works often take place at night. On many occasions, private parties like developers or housing societies take up such activities without prior intimation to PMC. Developers must take proper civic permissions to lay cables and pipelines.
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