The Odisha government has issued a directive to all urban local bodies (ULBs) to intensify enforcement along national highways (NHs) passing through urban areas. The measures include removal of illegal hoardings and review of licences for eateries and commercial establishments operating within highway safety zones.
Background of the directive
The move follows a communication from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and directions from the Supreme Court aimed at addressing safety lapses on highways. The apex court had asked all states and Union Territories to submit compliance reports on the matter.
Key instructions from the transport department
In a letter to the state housing and urban development department, the commerce and transport department stated: “The apex court has mandated strict regulation of activities within NH safety zones. No department, authority or local body shall grant or renew any licence for any site within highway safety zones without prior NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) clearance.”
The directive comes in the wake of fatal accidents on highways across the country, prompting the court to seek systemic corrective measures. “The accidents are increasing rapidly, which is evident from the road safety data released by the transport authorities from time to time,” said road safety activist PV Raman.
Time-bound action required
The state government has asked municipal corporations, municipalities, notified area councils (NACs), and development authorities to undertake time-bound action. “Existing licences for such sites are required to be reviewed within 30 days,” the letter reads, adding that ULBs must ensure strict compliance with the court’s order.
Officials said civic bodies, including the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack municipal corporations, have been tasked with identifying and removing encroachments along NH stretches, bringing down unauthorised hoardings, and regulating roadside commercial activities such as dhabas, garages, and shops located within the safety zone.
Coordinated enforcement measures
The letter further emphasised coordinated enforcement. ULBs have been asked to nominate officers for joint survey or removal drives with district administration, NHAI, the Public Works Department, and the police to clear encroachments within a 30- to 60-day timeframe.
ULBs have been asked to submit respective status reports by June 20. To improve oversight, civic bodies have also been directed to participate in district highway safety task forces wherever NHs pass through urban areas and conduct public awareness campaigns against unsafe parking and unauthorised structures near highways.
Compliance reporting deadline
The government has set a strict deadline for compliance reporting. The reports submitted by ULBs will be consolidated at the state level and submitted to MoRTH within the timeline fixed by the Supreme Court. “We have received a few reports and others are being compiled. It will be shared with the ministry on time,” a department official said.
