Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 19: Just two days after the Public Works Department (PWD) imposed a state-wide ban on road excavation from May 15, several government bodies and private agencies have come under fire for allegedly violating the directive. Complaints have been filed at multiple police stations naming the Electricity Department, Indian Oil Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL), and the Santa Cruz panchayat for carrying out unauthorised digging.

The PWD Assistant Engineer from Work Division VI filed two complaints at Fatorda Police Station, accusing the Electricity Department of continuing horizontal directional drilling on SH-5 in Fatorda to lay underground cables, and IOAGPL of digging along the Madel-Fatorda road for gas pipeline work—both without approval.

“This activity is in direct violation of the prevailing government order and endangers public safety,” one complaint read.
Fatorda Police Inspector Nathan Almeida confirmed receiving the complaints, though no FIRs have been filed yet. “We are investigating the matter,” he stated.

In a separate case, a PWD Junior Engineer from Patto’s Work Division II filed a complaint against the Santa Cruz panchayat for continuing road cutting despite the ban. Additionally, another complaint was lodged by a PWD Assistant Engineer from Work Division VII-NH against the Electricity Department for unauthorized excavation along the Ribandar bypass in Old Goa. Old Goa PI Satish Padwalkar confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

PWD officials emphasized that only emergency excavations with prior permission from the Collector are allowed. Agencies must adhere strictly to NOC conditions, completing pending work and backfilling dug-up areas—no fresh excavation is permitted under the current ban.

Authorities reiterated that violations not only breach government orders but also pose serious safety and infrastructure risks.