Meghalaya High Court directs govt to balance development with road safety

Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya has issued a stern warning to the state government to prioritize road safety amidst ongoing development projects.

The court emphasized that widening roads, setting up shopping areas, or carrying out maintenance work without considering the potential impact on road surface area can significantly increase the risk of vehicular accidents.

The court's order came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed seeking to ensure road safety and proper traffic regulation in the state. During a hearing on Monday, the court heard arguments from both the petitioners and the state government.

While the court acknowledged that the state has taken steps to address specific safety concerns, such as installing iron plates over manholes, it stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach.

The court noted that the state must ensure that all development activities, including road widening and construction, are carried out in a manner that does not compromise road safety.

The court has directed the state government to file a compliance report, detailing the measures taken to address these concerns and ensure road safety. The report must be submitted to the court within a specified timeframe.