Pala prods PM for road construction

NEW DELHI, April 19: The North East MPs Forum has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a project that will connect Umtyra-Semasi-Nohkhara in East Jaintia Hills with Lubang in Assam’s Karbi Anglong, contending that the same, if materialised, will be a game-changer for the people of the region in promoting trade, connectivity and ethnic harmony.
In a letter to the prime minister, the Forum’s general secretary and Shillong MP Vincent H Pala said that a 40-km road and a bridge over the Kupli river will provide a crucial link for the people of both states, promote business in the region and connect NH6 in Meghalaya to NH127 in Assam.
The proposed road and a bridge will also help the people of Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland to travel smoothly during monsoon seasons when the usual road NH6 is often blocked due to landslides, he said.
“In addition, it will provide easier access to transport minerals like coal, limestone, and timber, thus improving business prospects for tribal peoples in Meghalaya and Assam,” Pala said.
He went on to say that the new road will also connect Karbi Anglong with the Land Customs Station with Bangladesh via Meghalaya, improving international trade.
Incidentally, the Umtyra-Semasi-Nohkhara-Lubang road will also promote tourism in the tribal areas of Jaintia Hills and Karbi Anglong, known for their beautiful waterfalls, the MP pointed out.
“In addition, the project will provide substantial employment opportunities for the youth of both states and foster brotherhood among different ethnic communities. The proposed road will reduce the distance more than 130 kilometers besides having alternative route for the commuters for all seasons,” he said, urging the Centre to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and accord top priority to the project.