Nongpoh: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has expressed “shock” over the ongoing construction work for railway connectivity in Ri Bhoi which is being carried out without obtaining clearance from the Council.
Despite stiff opposition from several quarters, the railway construction work is making steady progress at Ronghuna village in Ri Bhoi where a railway station is being built. The implementing agency for the railway project, VNR Infrastructure Private Limited, has already started earth cutting work.
Observing this during an inspection of the railway construction site on Tuesday, Executive Member (EM) in-charge of Land, KHADC, Hadrian Lyngdoh said, “It is shocking to see the railway project commence in Ri Bhoi without obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Council.”
Completion of the work in the area would ensure that Tetelia in Assam is connected to Ronghuna in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi.
Lyngdoh was accompanied by leaders of the KSU’s North Khasi Hills District unit and KSU central body members and Sirdar of Nongpoh Syiemship Wanphrang Syiem Nongshai.
Lyngdoh told media persons the inspection was conducted after the KSU brought the matter of “unauthorised construction” to the notice of the Council.
The KHADC EM also informed that he has instructed the implementing agency to stop the earth cutting work till the time it obtains the NOC and trading licence from the Council.
Lyngdoh said he will apprise the KHADC CEM of the matter following which further action will be taken.
Firm on opposition
Meanwhile, KSU’s NKHD president Ferdynald Kharkamni said that the union continues to strongly oppose the railway project as the government is yet to fulfil its demand for setting-up of the entry and exit points.
“The KSU will continue to oppose the railway project in the State until the State government ensures that unabated influx is prevented,” Kharkamni added.
