THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The practice of demolishing roads immediately after tarring for installing drinking water pipes will be avoided. Newly tarred roads should be piped only after one year. For this, a calender will be prepared by Water Resources and Public Works Departments.

The proposal was put forward during a joint meeting by a committee comprising officials from both departments, under the chairmanship of Ministers Roshi Augustine and Mohammad Riyaz.

At the same time, there will be exemptions for emergency repairs, major projects and priority projects. Prior to the excavation of roads with Defective Liability Period (DLP), the Water Authority must deposit 10% of the cost to the PWD for reconstruction. Work on roads should be completed within the stipulated time. This will be recorded in the permit. In case of delay, a proportionate amount will be charged from the deposit. A detailed board about the work done by the Water Authority should also be set up.

Working calendar will be included in the 'RoW' portal by the Water Authority and PWD.Permission will be given to the Water Authority through the portal to fix the emergency leak.If a road is dug, the Water Authority will be responsible for rebuilding it to its previous standard. PWD Engineer to ensure compliance with maintenance standards. Joint inspections will be conducted by Executive Engineers of both the Departments.