Editor,
Amidst the frequent forest fires and fire incidents that are being reported from various regions of the state, a concerning threat that is emerging in society is the problem of public roads. Blockages on public pathways are concerning because they can result in mishaps, inconvenience, and public safety risks.
Even in the most isolated villages in the state these days, individuals are so consumed by their greed that they have forgotten the morals of society and are constantly encroaching on land, leaving only little spaces for passersby or commuters.
Illegal walls and fences have been built in public areas, preventing community access and impeding government development initiatives, causing serious problems for the populace. Additionally, the fire department’s vehicles are unable to reach the fire accident sites at the appropriate moment due to the obstruction of public roads.
To address this issue, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s (BNS) Section 285 law penalises anyone who endangers, obstructs, or injures another person in a public route or public line of navigation. By guaranteeing that public areas continue to be accessible and secure for all, the law seeks to uphold public safety and order.
It is noteworthy that the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in one of its recently held Cabinet Aapke Dwar camps, gave authority to the circle officers and district administrations to deal with public way obstruction and encroachment.
It is imperative that the district administrations send out a notice to the village heads (HGB/GB) and panchayati raj members, asking them to be vigilant about encroachment and blocking of public ways, and to take strong measures against those who violate them. In order to combat this threat as soon as possible before it becomes irreversible, intellectuals, community-based organisations, and pressure groups need to come together.
Yiri Kamcham,
Kamcham,
Lower Siang