Shimla DC Urges Departments to Use ‘Call Before You Dig’ App for Safe Excavation

Shimla, July 21: Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap on Monday urged all government departments, local bodies, contractors and citizens to adopt the ‘Call Before You Dig (CBuD)’ mobile application to ensure safe and systematic excavation while protecting underground utility infrastructure.

Addressing a workshop at Bachat Bhawan, the DC said the app’s effectiveness depends on accurate and regularly updated digital mapping of underground utility networks by all concerned departments. He stressed that digitisation and timely updation of utility data are essential for the successful implementation of the initiative.

Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the CBuD app enables users to notify authorities before excavation, helping prevent damage to underground power cables, gas pipelines, water supply lines, sewer networks and optical fibre cables. The platform also improves coordination among departments, reduces service disruptions and minimises the risk of accidents and financial losses.