Shillong, July 12: The East Khasi Hills district administration has directed all eateries, dhabas and other commercial establishments operating illegally within the Right of Way (ROW) along National Highway in Upper Shillong to dismantle and remove their structures within 15 days, failing which authorities will carry out eviction and demolition.

The order, issued by the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairperson of the District Highway Safety Task Force, follows a recent directive of the Supreme Court in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025 on National Highway safety, which prohibits the construction and operation of any new dhaba, eatery or commercial structure within the Right of Way of National Highways.

The directive specifically targets commercial establishments located between the 3rd Mile and 7th Mile stretch of Upper Shillong.

Officials warned that if the illegal structures are not voluntarily removed within the stipulated period from the publication of the order, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and the Public Works Department (PWD) will undertake demolition of the encroachments.

The order has also been issued in Khasi to ensure wider public awareness. It is expected to affect several roadside eateries and businesses operating along the busy highway corridor in Upper Shillong