SHILLONG: The Dorbar Shnong of Ialong has raised objections to the proposed move of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to construct a toll gate plaza on NH 44 at Ladsaliya, Ialong in West Jaintia Hills.
Members of the Ialong Dorbar Shnong on Friday submitted a letter to the project manager of NHAI raising objections to establish the toll gate by NHAI.
“We are aware that the NHAI is proposing to construct a toll gate plaza on NH 44 at Ladsaliya, Ialong. However, during a public hearing at Pasyih village, the Dorbar Shnong of Ialong village and its residents had strongly objected to the proposed construction of the toll gate at the location,” read the letter.
It was mentioned that during the meeting, other villages also participated and raised objections. These villages — Thadmuthlong, Mihmyntdu and Pasyih village have expressed similar views and have suggested that the toll gate be shifted to Jowai Bye pass, somewhere between Thadlaskein and Bihsyntu of Mihmyntdu village for the sake of convenience and economy.
However, it was observed that NHAI has wrongly identified the areas around the site of the proposed toll gate plaza, as area falling under Pasyih village (Elaka Shangpung).
It was mentioned that as per the notice received by the land owners from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, it was informed that the district administration have followed the details of land owner from the plan and drawing and related other documents of the Jowai-Ratacherra Road submitted by NHAI.
“This is absolutely wrong as the area falls under the jurisdiction of Elaka Jowai,” added the letter.
“We have strongly oppose the move as the permission for the same have not been obtained from our villager authority. in this connection, NHAI should obtain the necessary permission as soon as possible,” reiterated the Dorbar Shnong of Ialong.