From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Nov 21: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) South West Khasi Hills unit on Tuesday met the Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills, T Lyngwa, seeking clarification on the alleged turning of the two-lane Ranikor-Nongjri-Mahasehkhola-Baghmara road into an intermediate lane in Ranikor area.
Speaking to media persons after meeting the DC at his office, president of FKJGP South West Khasi Hills, Kenesjune Nonglait, said that the federation has taken up this issue after getting several complaints from the general public of the area about the construction which did not meet the standard of the two-lane road.
“In the meeting, we have sought a clarification from the DC on whether he had knowledge about the Dhar Constructions (under the supervision of the NHIDCL) restarting the construction work from Borbasing Bridge to Alikwareng junction which is 5 km long, where it was constructed only as an intermediate road. And we are very surprised to hear from the Deputy Commissioner that he had no knowledge,” Nonglait said.
Therefore, the FKJGP has asked the state government, through PWD (Roads), to explain as to why the road was constructed as a two-lane road where the 5 km portion from Borbasing bridge to Alikwareng junction was constructed as an intermediate lane, Nonglait said.
“During the meeting, we have clearly told the DC that if the road is not constructed as a two-lane road, the federation along with the people of the area will be forced to file a PIL in the court of law or block the ongoing construction because the road is not meant for the benefit of only few people, but for the general public,” Nonglait said.
General secretary of the FKJGP South West Khasi Hills, Balse Kharbani, said that the DC told them that this month there will be an inspection of the road by the Minister in charge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong, along with the Chief Engineer PWD (Roads), NHIDCL officials among others.