Govt to take strict action against encroachments along highways

Kanpur: National Highways Authorities have identified 152encroachments and will take appropriate action against them.Apprising officials in a meeting which was convened to reduce the roadaccidents on National Highways at Naveen auditorium on Tuesday NHAI ProjectDirector Pankaj Yadav stated that a total of 152 encroachments alongnational highways have been identified using the Drone Analytics ManagementSystem. He stated that the general public could also lodge complaints regardingencroachments along highways via the toll-free number 1033 and the ‘RajmargYatra’ mobile app. The app offers features to upload geo-tagged photos,track the progress of complaints, and view their resolution status.District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh stated that no heavy or commercial vehicle would be permitted to parkanywhere on national highways other than at designated parkingareas, or wayside amenities. Immediate action will be taken if illegal roadside parking is detected. The District Magistrate directed all departments to work in coordination tokeep national highways safe, encroachment-free, and unobstructed. He statedthat no laxity regarding road safety matters would be tolerated andemphasized the need to ensure that action is taken within the stipulatedtimeframe.It was stated in the meeting that regular inspections and a round-the-clockpatrolling system were being ensured on national highways. Specialinspections will be conducted at accident-prone black spots, toll plazas,interchanges, service roads, and major junctions.The patrol team would keep a close watch on illegal parking, broken-downvehicles obstructing the road, encroachments, damaged road safetyinfrastructure, and illegal commercial activities operating along theroadside. In the event of any accident or emergency, ambulance and reliefservices would be immediately activated.