SHILLONG: The flood situation which has turned out to be very grim this year, has forced the state government to now divide its attention between two issues – COVID-19 management and reconstructing infrastructure damaged in the natural calamities.
Roads and bridges have been washed away in several places, snapping connectivity. People were left stranded along the national highways for hours. Besides, the flood has claimed several lives even as some are still missing.
The roads that were damaged included Riangdo-Bamil road, PMGSY road (Mawshynrut-Thaiem) and Mawshynrut-Hahim road. Others include NH–44 E, Bynther (at 47 km), Nongspung (at 9 km), Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura road, NH 127 (B) and a suspension bridge under Mairang block. Again, there were reports of wall collapse in which state and PMGSY roads were affected. There were damages to minor irrigation projects, damage to pipelines/silting of headwork and breach of fine channel, damage to channels/tank. Recently, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had asserted that the government will restore and repair the broken roads and highways on a priority basis.
