Shillong, Dec 1: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was on Tuesday accepted by the High Court of Meghalaya on the deplorable condition of the NH-6 or the Shillong-Jowai-Khliehriat Road which was filed by an advocate from Dkhiah West, East Jaiñtia Hills, Kerlang Ksoo.

Kerlang Ksoo in his petition stated that the inaction on the part of Respondents (Government) authorities and its failure to properly repair and maintain roads in the Jaiñtia Hills region under NH-6 (Shillong-Jowai-Khliehriat road) has resulted in creation of numerous potholes on various stretches of the road thereby causing immense hardships to the residents around the region and daily commuters commuting over the said highway. He claimed that the road is in such deplorable condition that it can cause fatal accidents and loss of both life and property.

Moreover, he stated that it is imperative that roads are regularly maintained and repairs are carried out on a regular basis to ensure that the roads are pothole free and standard materials are used for the purpose of such repairs and maintenance as one has often witnessed that due to use of sub-standard materials the roads usually do not sustain even one season of heavy monsoon and roads are washed away and continues to be in bad conditions, resulting in lots of accidents and loss of life and property.

While accepting this petition, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh stated: “It is hoped that to the extent it is the State’s obligation to maintain the road, immidiate repair work is commenced to ensure that the needless waste of fuel and additional emission are avoided.”

The Court will again hear the matter on 15 December 2021.