Shillong, Dec 21: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the North Eastern Council (NEC) to consider the detailed project report (DPR) for the Borkhat to Sonapur road along the Indo-Bangla border in East Jaiñtia Hills district within two weeks.
“We direct the Secretary of NEC to ensure consideration of the DPR and decision thereon be taken within a period of two weeks,†the division bench comprising of the Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Sr Sen said in its order passed here on Friday.
During the hearing, the PWD Chief Engineer in his affidavit informed that the DPR for construction of the road from Borkhat to Sonapur has been submitted to the NEC on December 10.
The order came after it was not brought to the notice of the Court whether the Secretary NEC has taken any decision thereon or not.
On the other hand, the affidavit filed by the Commissioner and Secretary, Forest and Environment department revealed that in terms of the recommendation of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), there are certain principles to be followed which have been reflected in para 14 of the affidavit.
The bench has directed the Commissioner and Secretary to file a fresh affidavit on the next date wherein, it shall be clearly indicated in tune with the principles as to what measures they have taken for upgrading resurfacing of the road from Baghmara to Moheshkhola at Hatisia.
Meanwhile, the Amicus has also submitted a progress report stating therein that the road starting from Shillong to Dawki is being repaired.
On his overall inspection, major portion of the road which was in bad shape has been repaired except in the areas 93 to 97 Km (Mylliem area), 107-108 Km (Lait Lyngkot area), 127 to 129 Km (starting from Pynursla Phlangshlan to Pynursla market) and 131-154 Km (Wawksing area).
Regarding the areas which are yet to be repaired as mentioned above, the bench has directed the respondents to file the latest status on or before the next date of hearing scheduled to be held after four weeks.
