Indian Army authorities approves closure of roads under Cantonment Act 2006

Local Military Authorities consider necessary for reasons to be provided, the process of closure of roads may be initiated.

The issue of closure of roads in Cantonments was an important matter raised during the meeting taken by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman with Members of the Parliament and elected Vice Presidents of the 62 Cantonment Boards on May 04, 2018.

Based on the feedback received through the meeting, Smt Sitharaman held several rounds of discussions on the issue of closure of roads in cantonments. Following detailed reviews have been taken by the Raksha Mantri with officers of the Ministry, Army Headquarters including Chief of the Army Staff and the Defence Estates Organisation the following was decided:

• In case of roads, which the Local Military Authorities consider necessary for reasons to be provided, the process of closure of roads may be initiated. Due process as laid down under Cantonment Act, 2006 and the orders issued by the Ministry dated May 28, 2018, will be followed.
• The Ministry in coordination with Army Headquarters has devised a standardized protocol for the closure of roads in Cantonments, in conformity with the provisions of the Cantonments Act, 2006. Emergent security needs of the Army have been duly taken cognizance of while devising the standard protocol to enable closure of roads in such circumstances.