Reacting sharply to news reports that had the DoT accusing the VMC of ``reckless digging'', Aloria showed reporters several photographs of Gotri Road to demonstrate his point. Executive Engineer (Road-Projects) M M Patel told Express Newsline that even if the cables were covered, they would not lie one meter deep.

``The DoT has not followed any of the guidelines decided at a meeting of the VMC and Dot a few months ago'', he said.

As per those decisions, the DoT was to give dates of its cable-laying operations and seek the clearance of the VMC's zonal offices. ``If the dates are not adhered to, the permission stands cancelled'', the civic chief said, alleging that the Dot had never provided a schedule till date.

Besides, the DoT was to put up a letter signed by the VMC and its own officers at the worksite. Its engineer, too, had to be present on site and keep a photocopy of the permission letter. ``It had also been decided that the minimum depth of the cables would be one meter. If cables had to be laid across the road, trenchless technology was to be used'', Aloria said.``The DoT has two pieces of equipment for laying trenchless cables'', in-charge city engineer B S Trapasia claimed.He also said all VMC engineers had been asked to abide by the decisions taken at the meeting. Asked if these were being followed, Trapasia said that it was difficult at times, considering the levels at the which the cables were laid.Aloria said if the necessary specifications are maintained, 90 per cent of the problems would be sorted out. He dismissed the suggestion that the VMC compensate the DoT for damaged cables ``since the cables are laid superficially. In fact, the DoT union, too, is staging a dharna in protest against thepractice of not following specifications''.