Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has observed that national highways cannot be turned into commercial marketplaces. The court directed the state government to remove all commercial establishments and billboards located along National Highway-5 between Shimla, Theog, Narkanda, Kumarsain and Rampur Bushahr that are not situated within private premises.
The court stated that it is the responsibility of commercial operators to identify suitable locations for running their businesses and ensure that the functioning of national highways is not obstructed.
The court also instructed the state government to take appropriate action on several issues related to the highway, including installation of lighting in accident-prone areas, creation of parking facilities for trucks, monitoring and regular patrolling, and removal of illegal parking and encroachments. It further directed authorities to stop the emergence of new dhabas, eateries and similar commercial setups along the route and remove illegal establishments already operating there.
The High Court directed the Superintendent of Police, Shimla, to ensure regular patrolling on the route through the SHO Dhalli and deploy an adequate number of police personnel.
The court also ordered the police to ensure that during the tourist season, tourists are not harassed by bus operators, taxi operators or any other establishments using forest land and other land connected to the national highway for commercial purposes.
The petitioner informed the court that an affidavit had earlier been filed admitting that several truck and taxi operators were using political influence and creating inconvenience in traffic movement.
The court observed that it is the duty of the Superintendent of Police, Shimla, to ensure that the concerned police personnel take action without any interference.
Warning Issued by the Court
The High Court warned that if the required action is not taken, it may initiate strict measures, including departmental action against officials found negligent in performing their duties.
The court also directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Urban), Shimla, and the Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) to ensure compliance with the orders.
