Hyderabad: The Army has stated that all the roads that it proposes to close for civilian traffic in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board fall under the Local Military Authority (LMA) and are A1 defence roads.
The Army stated that all procedures under the Cantonment Act, 2006 had been followed by local officials before they initiated the traffic regulations. Local Army officers had not violated Cantonment regulations while proposing to close the roads. They had also provided alternative routes for civilian traffic passing through the area.
Major General Cyrus Addie Pithawalla said, “The roads that are to be regulated for civilian traffic are A1 defence roads and fall under the local military authority. Even before we had announced the closure, the citizens were informed about it as per the Cantonment Act, 2006.”
He said that the letter sent by the Union defence ministry was common for all the cantonment boards across the country.
Each cantonment area is different, Maj Gen Pithawalla explained. One Cantonment may have civilian roads, another military unit may have defence roads, the roads passing through the AOC area being an example.
“Every cantonment has its own dynamics. The Army is extending its support in creating alternative routes as well. We are a people’s Army. Once I return to the city, the letter will be analysed and decisions will be taken accordingly,” Maj Gen Pithawalla said.
The ongoing restrictions from 10 pm to 7 pm will continue till a further decision is taken. The defence ministry had taken serious note of the closure of roads in the Secunderabad Cantonment area by local military authorities following representations from residents and the Malkajgiri MP and MLA. The ministry in its letter directed the chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force not to close any road that does not fall under the defence units without following procedures mentioned in the Cantonment Act, 2006.
The ministry had ordered the Cantonment authorities to open roads which were closed without following due procedure. While these roads can be closed, any if required after securing approval, the ministry said.
Ban stays:
Army says all AOC roads that are to be closed for civilian traffic fall under the Local Military Authority (LMA) defence A1 roads
The ministry of defence had directed services chiefs not to close roads that do not fall under the defence units without following procedures
The defence ministry had asked for a compliance report within 30 days from the headquarters of the services.
