Delhi: NDMC imposes restrictions on road cutting ahead of monsoon
New Delhi, June 23
The New Delhi Municipal Council has decided that no road-cutting permissions will be granted from July 1 to September 30 in view of the upcoming monsoon season and to avoid public inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic movement, an official said on Tuesday.
The NDMC has decided that in exceptional cases involving urgent public utility services or emergency works, permissions may be considered on a case-to-case basis with the prior approval of Chairman Keshav Chandra.
Chandra emphasised that uninterrupted public convenience and safety remain the Council's foremost priorities during the monsoon season.
He said that proactive measures such as restricting road-cutting activities and ensuring timely restoration of ongoing works are essential for maintaining smooth traffic flow, preventing accidents, and minimising civic disruptions during periods of heavy rainfall.
The curbs on road cutting have been imposed to prevent waterlogging, road damage, traffic disruptions, and inconvenience to residents and commuters during the monsoon months, an official statement said.
The restriction will help maintain the structural integrity of roads and ensure safer movement across the NDMC area, it added.
Key directions issued by NDMC related to road cutting said that all ongoing road-cutting works must be properly completed, neatly levelled, dressed, and fully restored well before the onset of the monsoon to ensure public safety and avoid inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
"In cases where road-cutting permission has already been granted but the work has not yet commenced, such permissions will remain suspended during the restricted period," the statement said.
Fresh execution of such works will only be permitted if the matter is deemed emergent and receives specific approval from the NDMC Chairman.
The NDMC has directed all concerned departments, utility agencies, contractors, and executing organisations to strictly adhere to these guidelines and ensure full compliance in the larger public interest.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great initiative by NDMC but the real test will be during July-September. I've seen too many 'emergency' works happen during previous monsoons which turned out to be routine repairs. Need strict monitoring to ensure only genuine emergencies get approval.
Makes sense. In cities abroad, they plan all utility work around weather patterns. India is catching up slowly. Hope this becomes a permanent policy rather than just a seasonal ban.
Typical knee-jerk reaction! Instead of banning road cutting, why not improve the quality of road restoration? In my area, they cut the road for pipeline work, and after 'restoration' it looks like a patchwork quilt. By next monsoon, the same spots develop potholes! 😤
As someone living in NDMC area, I appreciate this move. Last year, I saw a road near Mandi House being dug up three different times in August for different utility works. Complete chaos for commuters. Even if this is a temporary fix, it's better than nothing.
Good policy but these 'case-to-case' exceptions will kill the purpose. With Chairman's approval required, there's potential for misuse. Need clear criteria for what counts as 'emergency'. Otherwise, every power line or water pipe repair will be called an emergency.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.