Polo-Nongmensong road faces persistent waterlogging issues

SHILLONG, July 3: The small and narrow stretch of road from Polo to Nongmensong recently gained significance as a key route connecting Shillong with the New Shillong Township. With substantial investments planned for the upcoming NST, this road has become crucial for the region’s infrastructure.
Despite its importance, the 3-4 kilometre stretch has long been subjected to persistent waterlogging problems.
The condition of the road is far from satisfactory, especially considering that within a year, VIPs are expected to use this route to reach the new Assembly building and other installations in New Shillong Township.
Albeit the efforts to mitigate waterlogging are under way, the problem remains unresolved.
Regular repairs have not significantly improved the situation, and the poor condition of the road leads to heavy traffic snarls as vehicles navigate through potholes and muddy sections.
Commenting on the issue, Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh maintained that whilst the government has been able to reduce the issue of waterlogging substantially, challenges remain.
“Citizens build shack-like houses next to the river, and during incessant rainfall, flooding overflows into their homes,” she said.
Lyngdoh noted that the road along Macabe is under constant repair, but incessant rains cause ducts to clog and overflow.
“We are still trying to build deeper ducts. The right way for water draining is a significant setback. Departments like PWD, UAD, and SMB have studied this issue and found it to be a serious concern,” she added.