The Meghalaya High Court today directed the State government to give attention to widening or maintenance of roads and not to allow setting up of any shopping areas near the roads.
The division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasana Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh was hearing a PIL filed by Romilton Pahsyntiew.
“Although not mentioned in the order dated 24th September, 2024, it goes without saying that while all the above work is undertaken by the State, it will also give attention to the fact that widening or maintenance of roads and permission to set up any shopping areas reduces the road surface area creating a risk of vehicular accident. The State shall take adequate measures or issue regulatory directions so that the above risk is minimised,” the High Court said.
The High Court also directed the State government to file a compliance report in the form of an affidavit on the matter.
During today’s hearing, the High Court reminded that during its last hearing on September 24, some issues were identified by the Court and directions were issued to the State government to take remedial measures.
On the direction for removal of iron plates over manholes on the road, the court said that the State government through its lawyer has informed that adequate steps have been taken for rectification of the iron plates, as a result of which, the risk posed by these iron plates earlier has been removed or minimised.
The High Court also said that with regard to the operationalisation of the CCTV cameras on the road, the lawyer of the State government has informed that steps have already been taken and the grievance of the petitioner redressed.
The court also directed the State government to file a compliance report in the form of an affidavit at the next hearing of the PIL on December 16.
