The Supreme Court’s directive for the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) to tackle encroachments on national and state highways marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against unauthorised occupation of public roads. This landmark decision highlights both the gravity of the problem and the need for a structured, proactive approach to preserve the integrity and functionality of our national road network. Encroachments on highways have long been a blight on India’s infrastructure. These unauthorised occupations not only degrade the quality of roadways but also pose significant safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians alike. They obstruct traffic, exacerbate congestion, and, in many cases, contribute to accidents. The Supreme Court’s intervention is thus a welcome and necessary step towards resolving these issues.
The Supreme Court directed MORTH to form specialised teams tasked with the frequent and regular inspection of highways to identify and address encroachments. This decision comes in response to a PIL, which drew attention to the shortcomings in the implementation of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002. The Court’s mandate includes the creation of a dedicated portal for reporting encroachments, supported by a toll-free number for public grievances. This dual approach aims to enhance public engagement and accountability. By allowing citizens to report encroachments and upload photographic evidence, the system is expected to facilitate quicker responses and more efficient management of highway issues. Additionally, the Court’s directive to MORTH to furnish detailed reports on past actions and future plans underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear instructions, the implementation of these directives will undoubtedly face challenges. One significant hurdle is the effective coordination between central and state authorities. While MORTH is tasked with overseeing the inspections, the State Governments are expected to assist in the removal of encroachments. This necessitates a seamless collaboration between various administrative and enforcement agencies, a feat that has often been elusive. Moreover, the efficacy of the proposed portal and toll-free number will depend on their accessibility and user-friendliness. Ensuring that these tools are widely publicised and easily navigable is crucial for their success. The challenge extends to the logistics of inspecting and removing encroachments. Given the vast network of National and State highways, the task is monumental. The formation of inspection teams must be accompanied by adequate training and resources to ensure that these teams are effective in their roles. Additionally, the enforcement of removal orders must be carried out efficiently to prevent encroachments from reoccurring.
Highways are critical arteries of economic activity, facilitating the movement of goods and people across vast distances. Encroachments not only jeopardise the safety of these roads, but they also impede economic growth by disrupting traffic flow and increasing transportation costs. Furthermore, unauthorised structures on highways often indicate broader issues related to land management and urban planning. The persistence of encroachments suggests weaknesses in regulatory enforcement and urban governance. By tackling this issue head-on, the Supreme Court’s directive also catalyzes broader reforms in land use and regulatory practices.
The way forward for MORTH is to ensure inspection teams are established promptly and equipped with the necessary resources. Public involvement will also play a crucial role. Citizens must be encouraged to utilise the new reporting mechanisms and provide accurate information. This participatory approach will not only aid in the swift identification of encroachments but also foster a sense of collective responsibility towards maintaining the integrity of our highways. This SC directive is not just a regulatory measure but a crucial part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen urban governance. This might take some time, but the result will be highly effective.
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