By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: The High Court of Meghalaya has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed 166.8-km Greenfield High-Speed Corridor passing through Ri-Bhoi district, stating that the concerns raised by the petitioner have been adequately addressed by the authorities.
The PIL, filed by Pynskhemlang Sohtun, had sought directions to halt land acquisition and preparatory works, disclosure of environmental and social impact assessments, and the constitution of an independent expert committee.
The petitioner raised concerns over environmental degradation, landslides, and the impact on culturally significant sites, including Lum Sohpetbneng.
During the hearing, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the state government submitted affidavits assuring the court that all environmental safeguards and statutory requirements would be strictly followed.
The Rs 22,864-crore project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, aims to improve connectivity between Shillong, Guwahati, and Silchar and boost economic growth in the Northeast.
Authorities informed the court that the highway alignment had been revised following public consultations to minimise impact on water sources, agricultural land, and culturally sensitive areas. It was also clarified that the core sacred area of Lum Sohpetbneng lies outside the project’s direct impact zone.
The court noted that the project falls within 100 km of an international border and is exempt from prior environmental clearance, subject to compliance with a Standard Operating Procedure issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Officials assured strict adherence to these guidelines, including measures for landslide management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.
Observing that the authorities have committed to follow all legal and environmental norms, the bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh found no merit in the petition and disposed of the case.
However, it granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the court again if any fresh cause of action arises in the future.
The 166.8-km greenfield road consists of 144.8 km in Meghalaya (passing through Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills) and 22 km in Assam (Cachar district).
The project will be developed, maintained, and managed by the NHIDCL and will significantly cuts travel time between Guwahati/Shillong and Silchar.
