Question : Encroachment of Land under NHAI

(a) the number of cases of encroachment on the land under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the country which came to the notice of the Government during the last three years and the current year and the number of cases in which action has been taken against the persons found responsible/guilty for such encroachment, State/UT-wise;

(b) the reasons for the Government being unable to curb and prevent encroachment on the land under NHAI;

(c) whether the Government proposes to secure the said land by putting in place wire fencing or by erecting wall etc. and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government in consultation with stakeholders to remove such encroachments in the country?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (b) The powers of Highway Administration were delegated to Officers of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) vide Gazette Notification dated 16.09.2019. All encroachments brought to the notice of the Authority are processed as per rules of Highway Administration by the concerned offices.
The encroachment identified by the Highway Administration is to be removed with the assistance of the State Administration and the State Police Authorities. The role of the Highway Administration is limited to issuing of orders in this regard and providing support to the State Authorities in removal of the encroachments.

(c) The provision of fencing/boundary wall along the Right of Way (ROW) of the National Highways is generally adopted in Greenfield alignments of the expressways. Generally non/partially access controlled National Highways do not have the provision of fencing/ boundary wall along the ROW throughout the project length but it is only limited to specific locations specified in the contract/ concession agreement. Further, efforts are made for provision of the Road Boundary Stones/Pillars as part of scope of the contractor/ concessionaire so as to demarcate the Right of Way.

(d) The regular drives under the supervision of NHAI Regional Officers and Project Directors are conducted to identify the encroachments along the National Highways and reported to the State Authorities for taking necessary action in this regard.

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