Wallang’s report suggests immediate resumption of Kurliya bridge construction work in WJH
SHILLONG: A magisterial probe into the frequent interference by Assam police resulting in the stoppage of construction of a major bridge across the river Myntang along with its approaches on Sahsniang-Kurliya road in West Jaintia Hills, has recommended filing of case against Assam police personnel.
The magistrate based on the spot inspection also asked the authorities concerned to resume the work.
The probe report of D.M. Wallang, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills, said FIR should be filed by the contractor and the Executive Engineer, PWD South Division against sub inspector Ajit Terong of Jirikindeng PS, Assam for frequently threatening the contractor and the labourers.
Moreover, the magistrate has urged the district administration to issue notice against the SI and officer in charge of Jirikyndeng PS against interfering in the developmental projects in Meghalaya along the border “as such action contravenes with the agreement signed by the two state governments especially between the chief ministers of both the state on June 6, 1992, June 11, 2008 and on June 5, 2010 regarding development activities”.
Recently, the Assam police had summoned the contractor and also the supervisor of the workers who were engaged in the construction of the bridge.
An FIR was also filed by Assam police in this regard at Jrikyndeng PS.
However, the magisterial probe report recommended that the construction of the bridge should resume immediately.
“The construction of the bridge is well within the territory of Meghalaya and falls under the jurisdiction of Laskein Community and Rural Development Block, West Jaintia Hills” the report said, adding that the project was approved by the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in 2004.
The construction started immediately and only 34 metres of the bridge span was left for completion when the previous contractor abandoned the project. Later, the final work order was allotted to one Friday Hinge of Nongbah Village, West Jaintia Hills, in August 2015.
The magistrate asked the West Jaintia Hills District SP to provide adequate police force at the construction site with immediate effect to ensure completion of the bridge within the stipulated time. The police personnel should be posted at the site for the security of the labourers, until further orders, the report said.
“The Executive Engineer, PWD (R) North Division and the Assistant Engineer, PWD(R) Shangpung Sub-Division shall ensure their personal attendance during the construction period. The Executive Engineer, PWD (R) North Division shall requisition officers from the other Divisions through the SE, PWD (R) Jowai Circle to ensure proper monitoring of the construction work which should not be interrupted. The officials deputed should liaise with the OC, Raliang PS, on a daily basis,” the report said.
The magistrate also wanted the SE, PWD (R) Jowai circle to ensure that officers not below the rank of Assistant Engineer should be selected and deputed to supervise the work at site on a regular basis.
The Border Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills will also liaise with the OC Raliang PS to monitor the construction works on a regular basis.
As per the report of the magistrate, the construction of the bridge is necessary to ensure uninterrupted flow of vehicles in the border areas which will benefit the local populace and uplift their economic lives. At present, there is a hanging footbridge connecting the villages across the Myntang river. The vehicles used for transportation of the agricultural produces, have to cross the Myntang which is at a lower level in the dry/lean season period only. During the summer months (June to September), the vehicles cannot cross the river when it flows above the danger mark.
“Hence, the completion of the construction of the bridge is fundamental for the benefit of the local people living in the bordering villages such as Sahsniang, Tihwieh, Khatkhasla, Psiar and Moolaber, the report added.