SHILLONG: Former Baghmara legislator Satto R Marak met PWD (Roads) Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar recently to apprise him of the various difficulties faced by the people of South Garo Hills District, especially due to pathetic road connectivity there.
“During my tenure as MLA of Baghmara (2008-2013), I raised these issues in the Assembly on several occasions and Government assurances were given on the floor of the House on such matters. However, there have been some lapses in the implementation of the proposed or sanctioned schemes under the district,” Marak said.
The former legislator pointed out that there is a need to speed up the upgradation proposal of 139 km stretch from Baghmara to Ranikor via Moheshkolla under the Centre’s Special Accelerated Road Development Programme.
“The road connects Balpakram National Park and will be beneficial for tourists coming to visit the park from Shillong or Tura,” he said.
On the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund, Marak said the scheme was sanctioned to improve existing road formation including reconstruction of damaged bridges and culverts at 109 km of NH 62 to Siju Cave. “It has been observed that the work was stopped half way for reasons unknown,” he said. The world renowned Siju Cave is one of the most important tourist destinations in Garo Hills and thousands of tourists turn up annually to visit the cave.
Regarding the PMGSY scheme, Satto said that there was a proposal for upgradation of Jongkol PWD road to Dabram village, Dabitbibra PWD road to Dabit-Songgital, Baghmara-Moheshkolla PWD road to Nengsra.
“However, it seems that no action has been taken in this regard,” he added.
Satto also informed the Minister that the Superintending Engineer, Williamnagar Circle has been holding dual charge of the Office of the Executive Engineer, NH Division, Baghmara since December 2013 and the same has resulted in several lapses in the implementation of schemes pertaining to South Garo Hills.