TURA: Corruption, ban on coal mining and a lengthy process for obtaining quarry licence are some of the reasons why rural road projects in Garo Hills are being delayed, said local contractors.
Vicky Rone N Sangma, the president of the All Garo Hills PMGSY Contractors’ Union, said problems started in 2015 when the State Rural Roads Development Agency wing of the PWD stopped paying them.
“Bills will be paid in three or four tranches and that too after greasing the palms of several persons. According to the contract agreement, the implementing agency is supposed to make payment every 15 days as and when required by contractors. The delay in payment led to delay in the works as well,” he said.
According to Sangma, the closure of quarries and crusher machines by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also dealt a heavy blow to the contractors as materials being transported were seized by police despite being informed about the time-bound projects.
“For quarry and crushers licence we need Nokma’s NOC, then whether the quarry is owned or under lease and this document has to be registered at the DC office. After that, the NOCs of the GHADC, PWD, Department of Mining and the Pollution Board are required. It takes a minimum of six months to complete it,” Sangma said.
