Jalandhar, January 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Taking a tough stance against the frequent and unplanned digging of roads across the city, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal has issued strict directions to all government departments, municipal bodies, utilities and private agencies to streamline excavation works and prevent inconvenience to the public.
In an official order, the Deputy Commissioner observed that various agencies are repeatedly digging up roads to lay underground pipelines, cables and other utilities without proper planning or verification of existing infrastructure. Such practices, he said, have led to damage to newly constructed roads, traffic disruptions, wastage of public resources and inconvenience to residents.
He further mentioned that in several cases, roads are excavated immediately after being repaired or rebuilt, while uncoordinated works also damage water supply lines, sewerage systems and other essential services.
To address the issue, Dr. Aggarwal has made it mandatory for all executing agencies to conduct a detailed survey of the existing pipeline, sewerage and utility network before starting any excavation and certificate verifying the survey must be submitted in advance by the department concerned.
No road — whether under the Government, Municipal Corporation, PWD or any other authority — can be dug without prior written permission from the competent authority and coordination with all concerned departments, he added.
He further directed that the responsibility for preventing damage to existing infrastructure will rest entirely with the executing agency. Any officer or authorised representative undertaking work without following the prescribed procedure will be held personally accountable. All worksites must display awareness boards mentioning “Work in Progress,” the name of the executing agency and the expected completion date for public convenience.
Notably, roads constructed within the last 24 months cannot be dug without approval from a District Level Committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General).
The Deputy Commissioner also mandated timely restoration of dug-up roads to their original condition. Violations will invite strict legal action, including recovery of damages, penalties, blacklisting of agencies and departmental proceedings.
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