SHILLONG: Traditional heads under Nongsynshar Shnong Lai Lyngdoh (NSLL) in West Khasi Hills have asked the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to issue no-objection certificate for the construction of the two-lane Nongstoin-Ranikor road via Wahkaji.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned Rs 625 crore to upgrade the stretch from Nongstoin-Ranikor via Wahkaji to a two-lane road.
Stanley Kharbani, member of the NSLL told reporters that they have asked KHADC chief executive member, PN Syiem and the executive committee of the KHADC to speed up the issuance of NOC.
Meanwhile, secretary of land owners, Franklin Kharbani said that 90 per cent of land compensation has been paid to the land owners while 10 per cent of land compensation for Kynroh-Rangblang, which is only about 6 km, has not yet been paid.
Stanley said they would approach the state government through chief minister, Mukul Sangma and roll out the work by turning to provisions in the state list under the land and revenue subject if the KHADC does not issue NOC.
“If the CM and CEM cannot work out the matter, it will mean that they are playing politics to block the development activities in West Khasi Hills,” he added.
Questions were raised on the issuance of NOC for the road construction from West Bengal via Garo Hills to Ranikor as well as the construction of Kyrshai-Rambrai-Nongstoin road whereas the NOC has not been granted for the two-lane Nongstoin-Ranikor via Wahkaji road till date.
KSU and other NGOs have been opposing the road projects which, according to them, are meant for facilitating uranium mining in the state.
However, Stanley appreciated Sangma for having revoked the permit for Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for uranium mining in 2016.
