 filed by one Kerlang Ksoo , complaining of the deplorable condition of the Shillong - Jowai Road. According to the petitioner though it is a National Highway and a part of NH-6, the responsibility for maintaining the road is of the State.){kind=link}
The Meghalaya High Court has recently directed the state government and the National Highways Authority of India to ensure that long term repair-work of the Shillong-Jowai Road is planned as expeditiously as possible to ensure the free flow of traffic along the route.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh heard a PIL filed by one Kerlang Ksoo , complaining of the deplorable condition of the Shillong-Jowai Road. According to the petitioner, though it is a National Highway and a part of NH-6, the responsibility for maintaining the road is of the State.
On Wednesday, it was submitted on behalf of the state that despite adequate funds not being released for the purpose by the Union, the state has gone ahead with the repair-work of the Shillong-Jowai Road, which is a part of NH-6, to ensure that smooth movement of traffic along the vital route is not interrupted.
It is the further submission on behalf of the state that a substantial part of the work is complete and that the remainder of the repair-work will be finished by December 20, 2021.
It is, however, asserted on behalf of the petitioner that some patchwork has been undertaken by the state which may not be sufficient or may not last too long.
While considering arguments, the Bench directed both the state and NHAI to ensure the long term repair-work, apart from the patchwork undertaken now, is planned out as expeditiously as possible to ensure the free flow of traffic along the route.
The Bench further directed the state to file a report, with photographs on the next date of hearing.
“Both the State and NHAI should indicate the long-term plan to improve the condition of the Shillong – Jowai Road when the matter appears next. List on February 4, 2022,” the order reads.