(b) any duly authorized person requires to dig or sink any trench for laying down or constructing any new pipes or other works, near to which any electric supply- lines or works of a licensee have been lawfully placed, the licensee or such duly authorized person, as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as" the operator"), shall, unless it is otherwise agreed upon between the parties interested or in case of sudden emergency, give to the State Government or local authority, or to such duly authorized person or to the licensee, as the case may be (hereinafter in this section referred to as" the owner"), not less than forty- eight hours' notice in writing before commencing to dig or sink the trench and the owner shall have the right to be present during the execution of the work, which shall be executed to the reasonable satisfaction of the owner.