Meghalaya High Court: In a public interest litigation concerning the bad condition of NH-6 for stretch of 102.255 km between Jowai and Ratacherra, the Division Bench of IP Mukerji and W. Diengdoh, JJ. directed for repair of badly damaged 5-km stretch within 2 weeks from the date of this order.
“NH-6 is kind of lifeline for Meghalaya, Tripura & Mizoram.”
On perusing the report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, the Court noted that the photographs annexed to this report showed some portions of NH-6 in a severely damaged condition, so much so that it would be impossible for vehicles to pass. Considering that the exact location of damage was not mentioned, the Court directed the Amicus curiae to inform the NHAI about the location and approximate length of damaged highway.
Perusing NHAI’s report, the Court noted that extensive road construction, repair and maintenance work was underway. The Court also noted that the badly damaged portion as indicated earlier covered about 5 km and for about 2 km of the stretch, the highway was strengthened by undertaking bituminous work, 7 km of drains were constructed and “reinforcement binding for 5 km of drain construction” was in progress.
The Court stated that there was no doubt that NHAI has every good intention to carry out order, however, the pace at which the work is progressing is rather slow.
Hence, the Court directed that the very badly damaged portion of the section of the highway stretching about 5 km as stated above should be repaired or reconstructed by NHAI within two months of the communication of this order and emergency measures should be taken by NHAI so that till the regular work is carried out. The Court also directed that the rest of the 45 km should be completed way before the onset of the next monsoon, within five months from the date. The authority should ensure that work done is of such quality that it is not easily damaged by rain and other weather conditions in future.
[Kynjaimon Amse v. NHAI, 2024 SCC OnLine Megh 949, Order dated: 06-11-2024]
