The Meghalaya High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed Greenfield High-Speed Corridor in Ri-Bhoi district after the state and central authorities assured that all legal procedures and environmental safeguards would be followed. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh heard the petition filed by Pynskhemlang Sohtun. The petition had raised concerns over land acquisition, possible environmental damage, and the proximity of the project to culturally important sites such as Lum Sohpetbneng. During the hearing, authorities informed the court that land acquisition has not yet begun under the National Highways Act, 1956. They said only preliminary steps like surveys and alignment planning are being carried out. Officials also stated that extensive consultations were held with village headmen and local bodies to address concerns raised by residents.
According to submissions made by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, the alignment of the road was revised after discussions with local stakeholders. The changes were made to avoid affecting village water sources and to reduce the impact on agricultural land. Deputy Solicitor General of India Dr N Mozika assured the court that all guidelines and procedures would be strictly followed. He said risk assessments, landslide management plans, and disaster management measures would be implemented as per the standard operating procedures issued in February 2023. In a separate affidavit, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal stated that the project involves building a four-lane highway passing through 18 villages, from Pyllun to Lumsohphoh. The aim is to improve connectivity between Shillong, Guwahati and Silchar. He added that local institutions, including Dorbar Shnongs, were consulted during surveys and land verification processes. Officials clarified that all affected people would be given an opportunity to raise objections before any final land acquisition takes place.
On the issue of Lum Sohpetbneng, authorities told the court that the highway alignment is about 500 metres away from the sacred site and does not affect it. The government also assured that environmental protection would be a priority. Measures such as avoiding sensitive areas, reducing hill cutting, and using tunnels and bridges where necessary will be adopted. The project will also go through approvals under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023. After reviewing the submissions, the court said it found no reason to continue the PIL. It noted that authorities have committed to following all rules and procedures and to protecting natural and cultural sites. “The concerns raised by the petitioner have been answered,” the bench observed, adding that the authorities have assured that no laws or regulations will be violated and all necessary permissions will be taken before the project begins.