The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday disposed of a PIL challenging the proposed Greenfield High-Speed Corridor through Ri-Bhoi district after the state and central authorities assured strict compliance with statutory norms and environmental safeguards.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh was hearing PIL filed by Pynskhemlang Sohtun against the State of Meghalaya, Deputy Commissioner Ri-Bhoi, NHIDCL, and the Union Ministries of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Road Transport & Highways.
The petitioner had raised concerns over land acquisition, environmental impact, and proximity of the project to sacred sites including Lum Sohpetbneng.
In affidavits before the court, the respondents denied that land acquisition was being carried out under the National Highways Act, 1956.