National Highway: Disciplinary action for non-compliance; removal of advertisements, flexes

Kota: In the wake of rising fatalities due to road accidents on national highways, the government has directed local bodies to strictly enforce highway rules. It has also decided to take tough action against those who violate the regulations.

The Supreme Court recently ordered that local administrations and urban local bodies must not issue licenses or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for building construction or other activities within the road margin, nor should they permit any activity that obstructs vehicular traffic. Following this, on May 25, the Union Ministry of Road Transport stated that no residential construction is allowed within 40 metres, and no commercial construction within 75 metres from the centre line of a national highway. Furthermore, licenses should not be issued for commercial activities, and if previously issued, they must not be renewed. The ministry stated that if building permits, NOCs, trade licenses, or renewals are found to have been issued in violation of these rules, disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned officials.

Menace of advertisement boards and flexes