The Meghalaya High Court has expressed its dissatisfaction with the State government for using rain as an excuse to justify their inability to maintain roads.
A bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh stated,
“It is a matter of concern that despite it being well known that Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in the world, the same excuse of rain is given by the State or other authorities to justify the poor conditions of some of the roads.”
The bench was considering the issue concerning the presence of potholes on the Assam-Meghalaya-Phulbari-Tawang (AMPT) road, a significant project in view of the forthcoming trading hub at Phulbari. It stated that AMPT road has to be kept in “top condition” as it will soon experience increased traffic.
Accordingly, the bench directed the State PWD (Roads) to contemplate a comprehensive overhaul of the road instead of repeatedly carrying out patchwork, acknowledging the need for a long-term solution.
“The State PWD (Roads) should consult with NHAI or its arm, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, and, possibly, seek funds from the North Eastern Council for the strengthening, widening and year-round maintenance of the AMPT Road as a part of the extension of the Dhubri to Phulbari flyover. This does not imply that the outstanding work or the patch work that is immediately required should be ignored,” it added.
The bench also sought a report detailing the actions taken and outlining the projected condition of the road in the next four or five years. This report will provide information on the measures implemented to improve the road’s state over the specified period.
Subsequently, the matter has been listed for further consideration on 21st August, 2023.
