Nagaland orders removal of unauthorised structures along National Highways’ right of way
Nagaland directs immediate removal of unauthorised structures within the right of way of National Highways, citing Supreme Court orders and a ban on new dhabas,
Nagaland’s Works and Housing Department has issued directions to remove unauthorised structures located within the Right of Way (RoW) of National Highways across the state. The order is meant to support highway safety, and it is issued in compliance with Supreme Court directions mentioned in a notification by the Department of Works and Housing (Works Branch).
The notification directs that Deputy Commissioners must ensure strict enforcement. It covers both structures already present and any new unauthorised construction within the RoW of National Highways. The order is tied to a Supreme Court Suo Motu case relating to incidents involving highways and the National Highways Authority of India.
Ban on new dhabas and commercial structures
Under the department’s directions, the construction or operation of any new dhaba, eatery, or other commercial structure within the RoW of a National Highway is prohibited with immediate effect. The move also applies to unauthorised structures that are already operating in the same designated highway land area, with enforcement focusing on demolition and removal.
The notification says the enforcement process should follow the provisions of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act (CNH Act). It also references a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on a specific date in 2025, which is described as guiding how actions related to RoW violations should be carried out.
Supreme Court directions cited in the order
According to the notification, the state’s action follows Supreme Court orders issued on different dates in 2026 in the same Suo Motu matter. These directions are linked to the broader goal of improving safety along National Highways and reducing risks connected to structures and activities within highway RoW areas.
With the directive in place, the Works and Housing Department has asked district-level authorities to proceed according to the apex court’s directions and the applicable legal framework. The order sets a clear basis for how RoW violations involving unauthorised structures on National Highways in Nagaland are to be addressed.
