Construction of Kurelia Bridge in Jaintia Hills
SHILLONG: Pangam Raliang Border Development Committee (PRBDC), a conglomeration of NGOs and Rangbah Shnong from West Jaintia Hills served a 15-day deadline to the State Government to resume the construction of Kurelia Bridge that awaits completion for over a decade now.
The delegation which met PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar here on Monday also demanded that the construction of the bridge should be completed within six months.
Citing various difficulties faced by the people due to non-completion of the important bridge, Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) president Rikut N Parein said the conglomeration would not shy away from “resorting to other means” to put pressure on the government to ensure the early completion of the bridge.
“The Kurelia Bridge is the only bridge which connects villages like Psiar, Moolber, Khatkasla, Moojem and several others of West Jaintia Hills. The delay in the completion of the bridge has badly affected the villagers who are not able to transport their agricultural produce to the nearest market at Sahsniang,” the JSU president said adding that no work was carried out in the project site for the last two years.
The construction of the Kurelia bridge over Myntang River was sanctioned on August 16, 2004 at an estimated cost of Rs 4.29 cr. The project was allotted to one RV Associates from Assam which was asked to complete the work within a year of sanctioning.
Meanwhile, the JSU president also rued that the non-completion of the bridge has also put at peril the people of the various villages who have to travel at least 30 kms to reach the nearest primary health centre at Sahsniang to cater to their medical needs.