GUWAHATI: Kamrup (Metro) DC Pallav Gopal Jha, who is also the Chairman of the Kamrup (M) District Disaster Management Authority, directed the Public Works Department (Roads), Guwahati Jal Board, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., and Guwahati Smart City Ltd., to immediately halt all digging activities.
The order passed on Friday, follows a series of accidents in the city resulting in the loss of lives and damage to public and private properties.
"The unfortunate incidents can be attributed to the presence of unprotected trenches, potholes, and open manholes created by various agencies across different locations, including main roads and bye lanes," the order stated.
"The lack of safety measures has led to immense hardship and inconvenience for the general public. Also, given the approaching monsoon, the likelihood of such accidents has significantly multiplied, posing a hazard to the lives and properties of the public," it added.
"Furthermore, it is mandated that proper barricades and visible signage be installed in the existing trenches. The respective departments and agencies have been instructed to submit a compliance report, accompanied by photographs, within 24 hours to the undersigned, and only then can the work be resumed," the order said.