'Grandiose Plans But Very Little Improvement': Meghalaya High Court Asks State To Explore Innovative Solutions For Traffic Congestion In Shillong

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh added that the situation was alarming, with many areas witnessing hawkers and vendors encroaching on pavements, forcing pedestrians onto already narrow streets, which impedes smooth vehicular movement

"Despite the grandiose plans earlier and the details indicated in the report that runs into five pages, the situation on the ground is quite alarming with very little improvement since the matter was instituted. Indeed, in many areas pavements have been completely taken over by hawkers and vendors, forcing pedestrians to spill on the streets which are already far too narrow to accom`modate smooth vehicular movement”.

These are fresh directions issued amid a series of court interventions addressing the issue. On September 20, the court had lamented the lack of progress despite extensive meetings, reports, and recommendations. It had highlighted the severe consequences of the traffic gridlock, including the risk faced by school children, pregnant women, and critical patients unable to reach hospitals due to the congestion.

“For more than a year, meetings have been held, reports have been filed and some measures have been suggested but there has been no change on the ground; indeed, the malaise has worsened on a daily basis’, the court had noted.

Emphasising the urgent need for action, the court had termed the government's efforts thus far insufficient and had hoped that the State would do well to ensure that those who encroach on the road space and have altogether taken over the footpaths are kept at bay or relocated so that the available roads and the footpaths may be used by only vehicles and pedestrians, respectively.

On December 16, 2021, the petitioner first raised the alarm about the alarming state of traffic congestion in Shillong. The petitioner had reported incidents of pregnant women delivering inside cars, critical patients dying before reaching hospitals, and school children failing to attend school on time due to traffic snarls.

The court, recognizing the gravity of the situation, urged the authorities to adopt immediate measures, including regulating hawkers, controlling random parking, creating designated parking spaces, and even considering one-way street systems.

Despite these earlier orders, the court noted that the fresh status report painted a grim picture with pavements in many areas having been completely taken over by hawkers and vendors, forcing pedestrians onto already narrow streets, and exacerbating the traffic congestion problem.

Expressing disappointment at the lack of progress, the bench urged the State government to think beyond conventional solutions and emphasised the need for innovative, out-of-the-box strategies to address the crisis effectively.

The court has listed the matter on November 14 for further review.

Case Title: Philip Khrawbok Shati Vs. State of Meghalaya & 18 Ors.

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