SHILLONG: The demand for speedy completion of the Nongstoin-Wahkaji road project was made by the Synjuk ki Seng Bhalang West Khasi Hills constituting of six pressure groups of West Khasi Hills during their meeting with KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem.
The project has been held up for want of an NOC from the KHADC.
The KHADC chief made it clear to the delegation that the voice of the people would be taken into focus on whether the road connectivity is mandatory or not at the same time he assured them that the matter will be discussed at the Executive Committee of the KHADC.
While speaking to media persons, T.S. Shangrit, chairman of the association, said, “The road should be from Nongstoin-Wahkaji and not Nongstoin-Mawthabah. The company that has undertaken the project will not agree to start the project unless 90 per cent of the road is given clearance.”
“From Nongstoin-Wahkaji, currently the road length for the project is 72.5 per cent while the company needs 90 per cent, as per the recommendations of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways after which it will start the road project,” he added.
The association has requested the KHADC to give clearance to the remaining 13-14 per cent of the road that will benefit many villages who are facing undue hardships due to improper road conditions.
“The population here cultivates ginger, broomsticks and other fruits; the significance of the road project lies in its capability to support the economy as well as to boost tourism,” Shangrit stated.
On being asked if they criticized other pressure groups opposing the road project calling it a tactic of the State and Central governments to mine uranium, Shangrit said the pressure groups have their individual ideologies.
