Highway Challenges in North East

The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate a conference on “Key challenges in Highways & Infrastructure Construction in the North-Eastern Region and Use of Innovative Technologies and Materials” in Guwahati on 30th June, 2015. The two day conference will be attended by the Chief Ministers, PWD Ministers and other key officials from various North-East states.

The main objective of this conference will be to build the capacity of local contractors, engineers and other stakeholders for participation in construction of highways and infrastructure in the region. The involvement of local stakeholders in construction of highways and infrastructure would result in inclusive development of the region by providing new employment opportunities and avenues.

The conference will also discuss various process and procedure reforms that can be brought into the system to remove the obstacles to increase the pace of Infrastructure development and most importantly result in “ease of doing business”.

The Conference will also focus on challenges in bridge and tunnel construction besides deliberating on the use of NANO technologies and their effective use in NE region. The conference will also aim to address various Road Safety and Environmental issues with a special focus on slope stabilization and environmental friendly slope protection techniques.

The conference will be organised by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways through its undertaking, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL). An exhibition would also be held on the occasion to showcase various innovative and appropriate technologies that can be used to enhance pace of highways and infrastructure construction. 

Environment and Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution guarantees justice, liberty and equality to all citizens of the country. In Maneka Gandhi's case the court gave a new dimension to Article 21. It held that the right to 'live' is not merely confined to physical existence but it include within its ambit the right to live with human dignity. The same view was reflected by Court in Francis Coralie V. Union Territory of Delhi said that the right to live is not restricted to mere animal existence. Article 21 also constitute right to get pollution free water and air. Article 48 of Directive Principles of State Policy directs that the State to take steps to organize agriculture and animal husbandary on modern and scientific lines. Again Article 48-A requires the State to take steps to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. In M.C. Mehta (II) V. Union of India, the Supreme Court, relying on Article 48-A gave direction to Central and State Governments and various local bodies and Boards under the various statutes to take appropriate steps for the prevention and control of pollution of water. Article 51-A says that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and impove the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living.

Source: PIB