Defence Ministry reopens restricted closed Cantonment roads for public

New Delhi, May 21: Defence Ministry has brought a smile to the faces of 62 Cantonment boards residents as all the closed roads in cantonment areas in different parts of the country will be reopened immediately.

As per a government statement issued on Sunday, the decision was taken during a meeting convened by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the 4th of this month.

The meeting, on issues relating to cantonments and closure of roads, was attended by MPs and vice presidents of all 62 cantonments.

Sitharaman also reviewed the matter with Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and senior officers of the ministry.

The issue of closure of individual roads will be reviewed de novo, in conformity with the provisions as laid down, and any closure of roads to be undertaken; will be done only after following the due procedure.

It was also decided that a simplified detailed standard operating procedure will shortly be issued to jointly address the needs of the local public and the military establishment.

The army has stated security concerns for closing roads, while residents have alleged procedure was not followed before closure, which the Defence Ministry seems to have considered in its order.