SHILLONG, India, May 19 -- Meghalaya High Court issued the following April 17:
1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties.
2. By this petition, the petitioner seeks the following reliefs:
(a) a direction to the respondents to halt all acquisition, survey and preparatory activities in Ri-Bhoi District;
(b) direct disclosure of EIA, SIA Hydrological and alternative alignment studies; (c) direct meaningful public consultation in compliance with Forest Rights Act and Sixth Schedule;
(d) Direct examination of less destructive alternatives; and (e) Constitute an independent expert committee.
3. The grievance of the petitioner in the aforesaid PIL is with respect to the proposed construction of 166.8 km Greenfield/High-Speed Highway Corridor of which approximately 144.8 km lies within Meghalaya, primarily Ri-Bhoi District. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner, Ri-Bhoi District forms part of a fragile and undulating hill ecosystem which is highly susceptible to landslides, soil erosion, deforestation and depletion of groundwater resources. The petitioner has alleged in the said PIL that past experience with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "NHIDCL") projects, particularly the Shillong-Dawki Highway demonstrates severe hill cutting, ecological destabilisation, recurring landslides, prolonged delays and loss of human lives, thereby giving rise to legitimate public apprehension regarding environmental and public safety. It is further alleged by the petitioner that the proposed alignment passes through agricultural lands, community owned tribal lands, forests, water catchment areas and culturally sensitive landscapes governed under the Sixth Schedule. It is further stated in the PIL that Ri-Bhoi District forms part of a fragile hill ecosystem prone to landslides and ecological instability. According to the petitioner, the alignment passes through the close vicinity of Lum Sohpetbneng, revered by the Khasi community as a sacred site of immense spiritual, religious, historical and cultural significance, traditionally regarded as the origin point of humanity.
4. This Court vide order dated 19th February, 2026 had issued notice to the respondents. This Court had also directed the respondents to file their respective responses with respect to what was stated in the PIL. Pursuant thereto, Mr. Mahavir Singh Rawat, General Manager (LA & Coord.), National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, Regional Office, Shillong has filed his affidavit on behalf of respondent Nos.3 and 5 dated 9th April, 2026. In the said affidavit, the affiant has stated that the NHIDCL under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India has been given a mandate to develop/improve the National highways and other related road infrastructure projects in the State of Meghalaya for accelerated development of North-East Region of India.
*Rest of the document can be viewed at: (https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/ecourtindiaHC/cases/display_pdf.php?filename=I1mmm2bl4r4EREhYK63Kv1EDcZhQrR265NkI9YXV9fY0RO03naV4qJoLejhKvM0U&caseno=PIL/1/2026&cCode=1&cino=MLHC010001352026&state_code=21&appFlag=)
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
