By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 24: The safety of the Umiam bridge, measures to increase its lifespan, alternative routes and a few flawed interventions – all came to the fore as legislators discussed it in the state Assembly on Friday.
“As per the order issued by the Transport Department, it was notified that all loaded vehicles carrying only 20MT gross weight or less shall be allowed to pass, one vehicle at a time, over the Umiam dam,” Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal said during Question Hour.
He was replying to a query raised by the VPP’s Nongkrem legislator Ardent M. Basaiawmoit on the safety of the bridge over the main dam at Umiam.
Raising another supplementary question, he asked whether the government is in possession of the original plans, designs, safety parameters, and load capacity of the bridge. The reply was in the affirmative.
To yet another question from Basaiawmoit, Mondol said that to assess the condition of the dam, the traffic condition and the vibration measurement were studied by experts from the Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune. Another study was carried out by the IIT Guwahati.
“As per the reports, the vibration is still under the controllable limit. However, they suggested retrofitting the bridge so that it can withstand the increasing traffic load. We have accordingly done the safety audit of the bridge and rehabilitation,” he said.
Pointing out that the imposition of road restrictions was done only after the intervention of the High Court of Meghalaya, Basaiawmoit said there were no restrictions on heavy trucks earlier. “Therefore, I understand the bridge must be in a deteriorating condition,” he added.
Stating that the bridge might collapse someday, he sought the measures undertaken for avoiding a disaster.
In reply, Mondal said the government is aware of the problem and has undertaken initiatives accordingly. He said the PWD and the National Highway Infrastructure Development Authority are trying to work out an alternative route.
Basaiawmoit asked how the government has been ensuring 24×7 monitoring when policemen posted at the bridge to prevent vehicles carrying more than 20 tonnes of load can be bribed. He also suggested the installation of CCTV cameras.
“The Transport Department is the nodal agency for checking the weights. An instruction has been given and the Deputy Commissioners of Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills have also been alerted,” Mondol said, agreeing to examine the suggestion of installing CCTV cameras at the bridge.
To a question from the VPP’s Mawryngkneng legislator, Heaving Stone Kharpran, Mondal said the bridge is past its lifespan. The government is trying to extend the lifespan through retrofitting, he said.
Mawlai legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang asked about the preventive measures to withstand or lessen the impact of disasters.
Mondal replied that the studies conducted by the researchers from the Pune-based centre and IIT Guwahati did not indicate mass danger but “your suggestion will be taken note of”.
State TMC chief and Nongthymmai legislator, Charles Pyngrope sought to know who is measuring the weight of the trucks. “If trucks carrying more than 20 tonnes of load are not allowed on the bridge, how are six-wheel trucks weighing 19 tonnes each without any load crossing?” he asked.
He suggested there should be a total ban on six-wheel trucks from using the bridge.
Acknowledging Pyngrope’s suggestion, the minister said all the departments have been alerted and the Transport Department is monitoring the movement of trucks.
UDP legislator from Mawkyrwat, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar asked about the measures taken to stop activities such as quarrying near the dam. Mondol said the government is following a high court directive banning such activities.
UDP legislator from Nongpoh, Mayralborn Syiem urged the government to expedite the process of coming up with an alternative road to bypass Umiam, the VIP road connecting Mawlai to Umroi Airport, and also the Western Bypass.
TMC legislator from Ampati, Miani D. Shira asked about the expected lifespan of the bridge after the retrofitting and repair work. The minister said a study has to be conducted to ascertain the post-repair longevity.