मुख्य पृष्ठमा फर्कनुहोस् सम्पादकीय नीति र तथ्य जाँच

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GANGTOK, SEPT 15: The High Court of Sikkim has expressed serious concern over the recurring deterioration of roads across the State and directed the Government of Sikkim to evolve a comprehensive policy for climate-resilient and geo-technically sound road construction suited to the Himalayan terrain.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan passed the order on September 8 in a suo motu PIL concerning road-related issues.

The Court observed that roads in Sikkim require periodic repairs and maintenance, which are often delayed due to the State’s climatic and geographical conditions. It raised a larger question as to whether the existing methodology and technical standards for road construction adequately account for Sikkim’s peculiar terrain and climate.

Taking note of a news article published on September 8 in various local newspapers and media outlets, the Bench also took note of Sikkim MP Dr Indra Hang Subba’s appeal to the Defence Minister for climate-resilient roads in North Sikkim.

The Court noted that the concern expressed by the MP applies not only to North Sikkim but to the entire State, where recurring road deterioration, landslides, sinking carriageways, slope failures and other forms of damage are frequently encountered.

“The larger issue is whether roads in the State are being planned and constructed in anticipation of the climatic and geological stresses to which they are inevitably exposed,” the Court observed.

It said road planning and construction in Sikkim must take into account factors including terrain, slope stability, geological and geotechnical conditions, drainage, hydrology, seismic vulnerability, rainfall intensity, landslide susceptibility, erosion and sinking zones.

The Court said Sikkim should move beyond merely repairing roads after adverse climatic events and develop roads that are “climate-resilient, geo-technically sound and compatible with the Himalayan terrain.”

Chief Secretary Asked To Convene Stakeholders’ Meeting

The Bench directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, to convene a meeting of all concerned agencies and authorities involved in road planning, construction, maintenance and development.

The meeting is to include senior officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHIDCL, representatives of State road and infrastructure agencies, and appropriate geotechnical, geological and engineering experts. Technical institutions and other agencies with relevant expertise may also be included.

The deliberations are to identify the technical parameters and standards required for road construction under Sikkim’s distinctive geographical and climatic conditions.

The Court has asked the Chief Secretary to submit a report covering the existing technical standards followed in the State and whether they adequately address its geological, geotechnical, climatic, hydrological and seismic conditions.

The report must also examine the methodology used for geotechnical investigations and slope-stability assessments before construction, drainage and protection measures against landslides and erosion, quality-control and third-party inspection mechanisms, monitoring of contractors and executing agencies, and measures proposed for climate resilience and long-term sustainability.

The authorities have also been asked to examine whether Sikkim-specific technical standards are required in addition to or in conformity with standards prescribed by competent Union authorities.

The Court further directed that the report indicate how accountability would be fixed on executing agencies and contractors in cases of deviation from prescribed technical standards.

It emphasised that compliance with technical standards cannot remain merely a contractual obligation and called for proper quality control, supervision, testing and documentation.

NHIDCL Report Taken On Record

On the issue of the DPR for the proposed widening and improvement of NH-10 between Rangpo and Ranipool, the Court noted submissions made by the Deputy Solicitor General of India that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has to take the decision on approval of the DPR, while NHIDCL has been entrusted with execution of the road project.

The Court directed the DSGI to obtain specific instructions from MoRTH on the likely timeline for consideration and approval of the DPR for the widening of the existing carriageway into a two-lane road with paved shoulders, slope protection works, treatment of vulnerable sliding and sinking zones, and incorporation of bypasses, viaducts, bridges and tunnels along NH-10 from Km 53+530 (Rangpo) to Km 79+371 (Ranipool).

The DSGI has been asked to place before the Court, on the next date, a specific statement on when MoRTH is likely to take a decision on the DPR.

NHIDCL’s report dated September 7 has also been taken on record and will be considered in the light of the Court’s directions.

The matter has been posted for September 24, 2026, with the Chief Secretary’s report expected within six weeks.

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