HNYF threatens to raise ‘road scam’ issue with Centre

SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep National Youth Federation (HNYF), West Jaintia zone has threatened to raise with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) the issue of poor construction of the Jowai-Nartiang-Khanduli road by one Dhar Company.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, HNYF, West Jaintia Hills president, Wanbun Dkhar said that the construction work for the 60 km road, which is now in a dilapidated state, was taken up at a cost of Rs 67.36 crore in 2011.
“According to RTI findings this road was supposed to be 7.50 m wide and 5 inches thick but in reality it is only 6.85 m wide and 2 inches thick,” he said.
Alleging that the construction company is owned by one Ngaitlang Dhar who is related to PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, he said that the Federation besides writing to the PWD minister in this regard would also approach the MORTH if the concerned authorities fail to intervene into the matter.
Meanwhile, the HNYF also demanded the removal of two illegal check gates set up by the JHADC. “The gates stationed at Shangpung, Nartiang, Lukha and Khlieh Tyrshi are allowing vehicles to pass through without challan after payment is made to the corrupt officers,” Dhar alleged. He also alleged that despite the High court order for removal of these gates, only two gates have been removed and the ones at Khlieh Tyrshi and Lukha were still operational.
The organization has set a 15-day deadline for the JHADC to remove these gates.