Bengaluru: In order to deter those digging up roads without prior permission, the government has told BBMP to impose hefty fines, running into lakhs of rupees, against all offenders, including government agencies.
It will be Rs 25 lakh for government agencies and private companies and Rs 10 lakh from private individuals. The roads in the city are often dug by to lay cables, wires or pipes.
A senior officer from the BBMP said, “We have received the circular a few days back and are looking into it. They have clearly mentioned to start imposing the fine amount if roads are being dug up without taking the required permission from the BBMP.”
An officer from BBMP’s road infrastructure department said, “The government and BBMP spend crores of rupees every year to asphalt the road and fill potholes. But we find private companies and even government agencies such as Bescom and BWSSB, and even local resident dig up roads without permission to lay pipes and wires. They do not fill it properly and this result in potholes and the BBMP is held responsible and pulled up for poor maintenance of roads.”
“We have received the circular and this will be sent to all other civic agencies. We will also spread the message among private companies and city residents. We will ensure that digging work is taken up only after obtaining BBMP’s prior permission,” the officer added.
The BBMP is also planning to bring in a rule that those who have dug up the road should asphalt the affected space.
As for BBMP permission, the officer said those wanting to dig up a road should provide reasons and permission will be granted only if they are found to be valid.
