Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the National Highways Authority of India to take action, if any encroachments are found on the highway from Udayampatti to Thulukkanur in Salem district.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M. M. Sundresh gave the directive while disposing of a PIL filed by P. Selvarajan.
The bench said the allegation in the PIL was that the national highway starting from Udayampatti to Thulukkanur of a length of 7.5 km was a two-lane road. The land adjoining was required for widening of the road for formation of these two lanes.
However, the sides of the highway were alleged to have been encroached, reducing the width of the highway and thereby obstructing the free flow of traffic.
It was alleged that encroachments were to the extent of reducing width of road by 10 to 20 metres. The petitioner has made a representation dated June 16, 2014, followed by a reminder dated October 16, 2014.
“In view of the aforesaid, we consider it appropriate to direct the National Highways Authority of India to consider the representation of the petitioner and if any encroachments are found on the highway, take action in accordance with law, with notice to all concerned. The needful be done within one month”, the bench added.
