GUWAHATI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to launch a major encroachment removal drive along national highways in and around Guwahati, in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court, a source informed GPlus on Monday, June 1.
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The Project Director’s Office of the NHAI’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Guwahati Regional Office, has already served notices to more than 380 illegal roadside vendors operating along highway stretches. Officials said additional notices are likely to be issued in the coming days.
Notices have been served to encroachers in several key locations, including Baihata Chariali, the Jalukbari–Khanapara stretch, Khanapara to Sonapur, Jagiroad, Nagaon, Lanka and adjoining areas.
The Supreme Court had reportedly directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to ensure the removal of such encroachments from national highways.
An NHAI official stated that the drive is necessary as vehicles frequently stop at these roadside establishments, with many being parked directly on the highways, thereby posing serious risks to motorists.
Meanwhile, as part of its pre-monsoon preparedness measures, the NHAI regional office has also begun extensive desiltation work along the Jalukbari–Jorabat stretch of NH-27.
The ongoing operation includes the removal of accumulated silt, mud, plastic waste and other obstructions from roadside drainage systems in an effort to restore the proper flow and carrying capacity of drains.
The Jalukbari–Jorabat corridor regularly experiences severe waterlogging during heavy rainfall due to clogged drains caused by silt and garbage accumulation. The flooding often disrupts vehicular movement and causes inconvenience to commuters, local residents and businesses operating along the route.