The Itanagar Capital Complex district administration has prohibited organizing festivals, public gatherings and political programmes on or alongside National Highway-415 without prior permission from the competent authority.
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Toko Babu, APCS, issued the order on Wednesday, citing compliance with the interim directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
The Supreme Court, in its order dated 13/04/2026 in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Civil) No.9/2025 (IN RE: Phalodi Accident-Vs-NHAI & Others) with WP(C) No.1100/2025, had taken suo moto cognizance of systematic negligence and catastrophic failure following tragic loss of lives in successive road accidents. The apex court observed that such lapses amount to a grave infringement on the right to safe passage and dereliction of duty by authorities, and directed District Magistrates to enforce demolition/removal of all new or existing unauthorized structures under the Control of National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002.
The District Magistrate noted that various individuals, associations, organizations and other entities have been organizing festivals, public gatherings, political programmes and similar activities on or alongside NH-415 within the Itanagar Capital Region, resulting in traffic congestion, obstruction to free flow of vehicular movement and inconvenience to daily commuters.
The order further stated that such unauthorized occupation of the highway and adjoining road space may impede movement of essential and emergency services, including ambulances, fire services, police vehicles and other emergency response vehicles, posing potential risks to public safety.
In the interest of public safety, convenience and smooth regulation of traffic, the DM issued directions for strict compliance, stating that no public events, festivals, processions or political programmes shall be organized on or alongside NH-415 in a manner that obstructs traffic or encroaches upon the highway or adjoining road space without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority, that all public events shall be held at suitable designated venues away from NH-415 to ensure smooth traffic flow, and that uninterrupted passage for ambulances, fire services, police and other emergency vehicles shall be ensured at all times.
The administration warned that any violation of the order shall invite appropriate legal action under applicable laws. The order has come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders.