The District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills District, Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS, has issued an order for strict enforcement against unauthorized parking, encroachments and commercial activities within the Right of Way (ROW) of National Highways in the district.
The order has been issued in pursuance of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025, In Re: Phalodi Accident vs National Highways Authority of India & Others, vide order dated April 13, 2026.
As per the order, heavy and commercial vehicles, including trucks, trailers, dumpers and buses, shall not be parked or allowed to remain on the carriageway, shoulders, median, service lanes or any portion of the National Highway ROW, except at designated parking areas or notified truck lay-bys.
The order further prohibits the construction, establishment, operation or expansion of dhabas, eateries, restaurants, shops, stalls, garages, workshops, temporary structures or other commercial establishments within the National Highway ROW without lawful authority.
It also prohibits any form of encroachment or obstruction of the ROW through construction materials, goods, machinery, vehicles, signboards, hoardings, temporary structures or other obstructions.
All unauthorized encroachments and commercial structures within the ROW have been ordered to be removed forthwith. In case of non-compliance, the competent authorities shall remove such encroachments at the risk and cost of the encroacher, in accordance with law.
The Superintendent of Police, PWD (NH), NHIDCL, Executive Magistrates and members of the District Highway Safety Task Force have been directed to undertake regular inspections and initiate necessary enforcement action, including removal of encroachments, towing of illegally parked vehicles and legal proceedings against violators.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, has come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders.