The Dehradun district administration has taken strict action against the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), imposing a comprehensive two-month ban on all work permits for the public sector undertaking. This decisive step comes in response to multiple public complaints and official findings of serious safety lapses and regulatory violations during the company's pipeline excavation work across the city.
Surprise Inspection Uncovers Widespread Violations
A quick response team (QRT), led by Sub-District Magistrate Kumkum Joshi, conducted a surprise inspection across various parts of Dehradun on Saturday. The inspection revealed that GAIL was consistently violating safety regulations and, in several instances, carrying out excavation work without the necessary permission from the project coordination committee. The team's findings were severe enough to prompt immediate administrative action.
Following the inspection report, District Magistrate Savin Bansal took a firm stand. He not only cancelled several permits that had been previously issued to GAIL but also imposed a fresh ban, prohibiting the agency from receiving any new work permissions for the next two months. This move underscores the administration's zero-tolerance policy towards negligence that endangers public safety.
Specific Lapses and Hazardous Conditions
The officials documented numerous irregularities at key locations, including Araghar Chowk, Kargi-Mothrowala Road, Doon University Road, and the Shimla Bypass. The violations created significant risks for daily commuters.
The primary safety failures identified were:
- Absence of mandatory barricades around work sites.
- Lack of reflective tapes and warning signage to alert motorists.
- Unauthorized daytime excavation, despite permits allowing work only at night.
- Piles of excavated debris left along the roads, narrowing traffic lanes and creating unsafe conditions.
These conditions were deemed major traffic hazards, causing severe inconvenience and potential danger to the public.
Administration's Directives and Company's Response
The district administration has issued clear and urgent directives to GAIL. The agency has been ordered to remove all debris within 24 hours and restore all affected road stretches to their original condition. A key mandate is to ensure that normal traffic movement is not obstructed at any cost.
The administration reiterated that adherence to safety norms during all road cutting and public utility work is non-negotiable. It warned of strict legal and administrative action against any agency, including GAIL, found flouting the regulations in the future.
When contacted by the media, GAIL General Manager and Regional Head Ambuj Gautam stated that the company had not yet received an official notice regarding the ban. He emphasized that laying a gas pipeline is a technical process and claimed the company ensures all regulations are followed. "If there is any lapse, all measures will be taken to rectify it," Gautam assured.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between essential infrastructure development and the imperative of maintaining public safety and convenience in urban areas. The two-month ban serves as a strong reminder to all utility companies operating in Dehradun about the consequences of compromising on established safety protocols.
