SHILLONG: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills (SWKH) and Langrin Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) maintained that they will continue to oppose the Nongstoin-Mawthabah two lane road projects.
While addressing a press conference on Monday, the NGOs reiterated their opposition and said, “The road project will not benefit the residents as the people supporting the road project are in favour of mining uranium,” Forwardman Nongrem general secretary KSU SWKH.
In this connection, they have submitted a memorandum to the CEM Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) PN Syiem indicating him to not issue any NOC for the road project. It may be reminded that the 68 km two lane road project was sanctioned through the Special Accelerated Route Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE)
The NGOs alleged that the two lane road project, as per notification laid down by the Ministry of Road and Transport and Highway on July 5, 2010 declared that the road construction has been agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure is meant for transporting uranium from the area.
The NGOs alleged, “The company from Hyderabad have brought their machinery last year and construction work is being undertaken. The KHADC should examine the situation and punish the company as per law as it has not received the permission of the KHADC.”
It may be reminded that the residents of the village are divided on the issue of the road construction as the NGOs remained stiff in their opposition whereas traditional heads numbering 60 of them approach the CEM KHADC to issue NOC for the immediate construction of the two lane project.
The delegation of NGOs asserted that the village leaders and other NGOs are misguiding the people and alleged that they have not consulted the people on demanding the NOC from CEM.
Nongrem claimed, “The headmen and the NGOs are being lured by an unidentified person working at the Public Works Department (PWD) Riangdo, who owns a uranium mine at Mawthabah.”
