Shillong, Feb 24: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday observed that the state government is passing the buck when it comes to completion of the Shillong-Western Bypass and Shillong-Diengpasoh Road, the two important roads aimed at easing traffic congestion in Shillong city and its neighbouring areas.

At the same time, the Court asked the state to indicate the timelines for completion of the two roads. “It is necessary that all authorities put their heads together and indicate the timelines for completion with milestones, if possible,” said the Meghalaya HC’s Division Bench in its order passed on Thursday while hearing a PIL filed by the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association.

The court said the proverbial buck is passed by the state first to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

It also noted that both National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have washed their hands off with respect to acquisition of land. Though the court reminded that the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1956 contains a mechanism for the purpose of acquisition of land, settlement of disputes and payment of compensation – complete with arbitration.

The state has informed that the process of acquisition has been initiated in respect of the Shillong Western By-pass Road, though it is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that there is no detailed project report prepared for the purpose.

It is also the submission of the state that in respect of the Shillong-Diengpasoh Road, a third of the construction has already been completed.

Both the roads are crucial to relieve Shillong and the neighbouring areas of the everyday congestion and the resultant toxic fumes, it said.