SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court issued a stern directive, asking the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to clarify the alarming state of road infrastructure in the Northeast.
Expressing deep concern about dilapidated roads in the region, the High Court pointed out that NHAI’s claims about the NH-6 stretch from Jowai to Ratacherra being in good condition, except near the Sonapur tunnel, are not true.
The court raised serious concerns about a nearly 2 km segment of NH-6 passing through Khliehriat town, where locals are often seen fishing in rain-filled craters on the roadside due to the poor road conditions.
The order was rendered by the Division Bench of the High Court during the proceedings of PIL No.11/2022, which featured Kynjaimon Amse as the petitioner against the NHAI and others.
Observing that inadequate funds may have been allocated for regular maintenance of the road, the court directed the NHAI’s Northeast regional head to personally inspect the site, drive the Jowai-to-Ratacherra stretch, and submit a comprehensive report detailing the road’s condition and immediate remedial measures.
The court order also stated that a copy of this ruling would be sent to the chairman or the highest authority of the NHAI, urging immediate action and an explanation for the chronic inaction plaguing the region’s road infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the KSU East Jaintia Hills District Unit has announced plans for a highway blockade on NH-6 in Khliehriat starting from September 25. During this protest, demonstrators will stage a six-hour blockade each day, from 10 am to 4 pm, for an entire week.
This action by the KSU comes as a response to the NHAI’s apparent reluctance to carry out necessary repairs on the highway, despite having previously committed to completing the work within six weeks.
In the past, the KSU had taken similar measures to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of the highway, including the closure of the toll gate at Lumshnong on August 8. During that protest, NHAI Technical Manager Jyoti Laskar had assured the KSU that the repair work would be finished within a six-week timeframe.
