NHAI to Collaborate with State on Drainage Issues for National Highway Projects: Kerala HC

The Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in the case of Varappuzha Grama Panchayat v. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), [WP(C) No. 16539 of 2024(S)], has passed an order dated August 5, 2024, addressing the pressing issue of severe water logging along National Highways, which has been causing significant inconvenience to residents living nearby. The matter was brought to the attention of the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala by the residents of Varappuzha Grama Panchayat, who filed a petition highlighting the hardships they face due to inadequate drainage systems along the newly constructed highways.

The petitioners from Varappuzha Grama Panchayat alleged that the construction of National Highway in their area has led to water accumulation as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) did not implement a proper cross-drainage system. This lack of infrastructure has resulted in serious water logging, especially during the rainy season, obstructing public movement and causing inconvenience to the local people.

The Hon’ble High Court of Kerela expressed its concern that water logging is a common problem in areas where National Highways are being constructed or widened. The absence of an adequate roadside drainage system has exacerbated the issue, with the NHAI viewing drainage construction as the state’s responsibility. This has led to a lack of coordination between the State Government and the NHAI, further aggravating the problem.

The Court also noted that the ongoing construction and widening of National Highways, without addressing the drainage issue, could lead to severe water logging problems once the highways become fully operational. This could potentially cause accidents and hinder the smooth flow of traffic.

The Court directed that both parties engage in consultation to develop a concrete solution to the water logging issue. Additionally, the Court impleaded the Principal Secretary of the Local Self Government Department, Thiruvananthapuram, as an additional respondent and sought a response from the department on the matter.