New Delhi, February 17 The Public Works Department (PWD) issued a stern warning to its officials on Tuesday, directing them to strictly adhere to prescribed norms before undertaking demolition works.
The department emphasized that before initiating any demolition, officials must ensure that a proper technical assessment is conducted and the justification is formally recorded.
"It has come to the notice that in certain cases, demolition of existing buildings and infrastructure assets is being contemplated, undertaken without strictly adhering to the prescribed norms and procedures," PWD said in an order.
The PWD, entrusted with the maintenance of nearly 1,400 km of roads and associated sewerage lines, has flagged encroachment at several locations. Demolition drives have been undertaken to remove encroachment over drains.
In its Tuesday order, the PWD cautioned officers not to proceed with the demolition of an existing building or infrastructure without following due norms, recording a proper technical assessment, and obtaining written approval from the competent authority.
Furthermore, the order directed adherence to due procedure in maintaining inventory, valuation, and proper disposal of dismantled materials. It also made it mandatory to obtain all statutory clearances.
"Violation of the above instructions will be viewed seriously, and responsibility will be fixed accordingly," the department warned.