All closed roads in cantonments will be reopened immediately

All closed roads in cantonment areas will be reopened immediately, according to a decision taken during a meeting convened by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently.

It was also decided that "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 will be done only after following the due procedure", read a government statement issued today.

The meeting, on issues relating to cantonments and closure of roads in these areas, 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 statement said.

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.

All other issues raised at the meeting were deliberated in detail and a time-bound action plan was being prepared in consultation with all stakeholders, the statement said.