Filed by Pradip Chandra Choudhury and 64 others, the petitioners argued that NHAI officials had earlier described the project as a “brownfield” expansion, involving two bypasses along the existing highway alignment. Despite this clarification, authorities were attempting to construct the highway on a new alignment
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Monday, January 20, sought clarification from the central government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding two Public Interest Litigations (PILs). The PILs challenged the proposed new alignment for the four-laning of National Highway 715 (formerly NH 37), to be implemented between Kaliabor and Numaligarh.
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Filed by Pradip Chandra Choudhury and 64 others, the petitioners argued that NHAI officials had earlier described the project as a “brownfield” expansion, involving two bypasses along the existing highway alignment.
Despite this clarification, authorities were attempting to construct the highway on a new alignment, one that could divert the road through farmland and an elephant corridor. The petitioners further alleged that influential individuals with extensive agricultural holding were responsible for this change of plans.
It is also stated in the PILs that the proposed alignment would require the acquisition of land in villages such as Darigaji and Kanchanjuri, where private firms reportedly own significant tracts. This compelled the petitioners to express concern over the high public expenditure associated with the new alignment.
In accordance, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kaushik Goswami, issued notices to the central government and NHAI, directing them to respond within two weeks.
