CHOKPOT, Sep 9: The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), Chokpot regional unit in South Garo Hills, has aired its frustration over the poor condition of roads within Chokpot civil subdivision, whilst accentuating the need for the authorities to conduct timely checks to ensure maintenance of road infrastructure.
In a statement, the GSMC questioned the commitment of current and previous governments over the continued lack of road development.
The subdivision is known for having one of the poorest roads conditions in Meghalaya with decades of neglect adding to the daily torment. Travelling has become extremely challenging within the subdivision with most people from outside preferring to only make the journey if absolutely unavoidable.
“This issue has been long-standing and continues to negatively impact the lives of the residents in this region, with no visible effort from the concerned authorities to address it. The road leading to Chokpot, one of the oldest routes in the district, is in an alarmingly dilapidated state, filled with large potholes, mud and debris, making it almost impossible for vehicles to pass through, especially during the rainy season,” said GSMC unit chairman Lusai Ch Marak.
Maintaining that the poor road infrastructure has not only severely affected daily commutes but also poses serious risk to the lives of people, Marak said, “The situation is particularly concerning when it comes to medical emergencies. For instance, if a pregnant woman needs urgent medical attention and is referred to other districts of Garo Hills for higher evaluation, the journey becomes perilous due to the road conditions. Such negligence can lead to tragic outcomes that could otherwise be avoided with timely road maintenance and infrastructure improvements.”
He added that decades-old neglect, hate and ignorance shown towards South Garo Hills region, particularly Chokpot, has often left them feeling like second-class citizens due to the lack of essential services, proper infrastructure, and the absence of effective governance.
“The bad road conditions are only a part of the broader problem, which also includes the poor network connectivity that continues to isolate the region. The lack of reliable communication facilities further hampers access to critical services, emergency assistance, and economic opportunities,” he added.
Asking the government to take immediate action to address the issue, Momin said, “The condition of the roads should be improved without further delay, and proper maintenance should be conducted regularly to prevent such deterioration in the future. Additionally, it is crucial to upgrade the network infrastructure to ensure that people in Chokpot are not left behind in this digital age. We deserve the same attention, care and respect as any other part of Meghalaya.”
