Shopian, Aug 20 (JKNS): Sub-Divisional Magistrate Zainapora, Shopian, has directed all concerned persons to immediately remove unlawful obstructions from public roads, village link roads, road margins and other public passages, warning that continued or deliberate violations will invite action under applicable law.
The notice follows repeated public representations, complaints and field reports about the placement, stacking and dumping of stones, boulders, dried wood, cow-dung heaps, agricultural residue, construction material, machinery and other articles along public roads and passages.
SDM in a public notice as per news agency JKNS said, the issue assumes particular urgency during the ongoing horticulture harvesting season, when roads witness increased movement of fruit-laden vehicles, tractors, agricultural machinery and other transport vehicles. Such obstructions, the notice said, reduce road width, cause congestion and bottlenecks, delay transportation of perishable horticultural produce and create risks to public safety.
The administration also highlighted that road obstructions can hamper the movement of ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other emergency and essential service vehicles.
All persons concerned have been directed to remove such obstructions at their own instance and desist from creating any fresh obstruction on public roads, road margins, village link roads and other passages.
The notice cautioned that the competent authority may proceed under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, while urgent preventive directions may be issued under Section 163 BNSS, subject to fulfilment of statutory requirements.
It further warned that, where statutory ingredients are satisfied, Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to causing danger, obstruction or injury to persons in a public way, or other applicable penal provisions, may also be attracted.
Tehsildars and road-owning and executing agencies, including PWD, PMGSY and RDD, have been directed to remain vigilant, conduct field verification and take appropriate action against identifiable and persistent obstructions, particularly on congestion-prone, accident-prone and obstruction-prone stretches.
The concerned Lambardars, Chowkidars and other field functionaries have also been asked to assist authorities in identifying obstructions and sensitising people, while the public has been urged to report persistent or hazardous obstructions to the concerned Tehsildar, road-owning agency or competent authority.
The SDM said the public notice has been issued in the larger public interest to ensure safe and unobstructed passage, prevent public nuisance, reduce traffic congestion and accident risks, facilitate emergency services and ensure smooth transportation of horticultural produce during the harvesting season. (JKNS)
