From Biplab Kr Dey
CHOKPOT, Sep 25: Mathematically, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. While the road from Tura to Baghmara via Chokpot is far from straight, it is indeed the shortest route between the two district headquarters of West and South Garo Hills, as proven by statistics.
The distance from Tura to Baghmara via Karongre (Dalu) is about 122 km, while the route through Chokpot is just over 100 km. Despite both roads being severely dilapidated, travellers still prefer the Tura-Dalu-Baghmara road as it is relatively easier on both the body and the vehicle.
South Garo Hills (SGH) is possibly the least developed district, not only in the state but also in the entire country, despite being one of the first declared districts and producing stalwarts like Capt. Williamson A. Sangma and SC Marak, two former chief ministers of Meghalaya.
Traveling the roads in SGH feels like a nightmare, with the only thought being when it will end. A journey from Nongalbibra through Baghmara and then via Chokpot to Tura can take at least 7-8 hours.
“We are at our wits’ end on how to move forward in seeking development. Decades of neglect have left us wondering when the government will actually turn its attention to us and give us roads worthy of human use. We’ve lost hope that it will happen in our lifetime,” said president of GSU Chokpot, Jish A Sangma.
Sangma’s sentiments were echoed by many during the visit. A high-ranking policeman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, shared his struggles: “The situation is so bad that when we are called to headquarters, we dread the journey. Once I reach Baghmara, I don’t want to return to Chokpot, and vice versa. The distance is just about 48 km, but it still takes over two hours.”
Both police and administrative personnel often dread postings in Chokpot due to the arduous travel times, even for short distances. Dust blankets the area, adding to the misery.
Curiously, the entire stretch from Baromile (WGH) through Chokpot to Sibbari (where the road connects to NH-217B), despite being only about 45 km long, has not seen a complete repair sanction in over a decade. The work is typically divided into three sections, with funding released in phases, leading to a never-ending cycle of repairs.
Currently, work is underway on the section between Baromile and Deku Bazaar, while another part from Sibbari for about 10 km has recently begun. However, the stretch between Silkigre and Chokpot is already falling apart.
“This is just the case for the main road. If you go beyond this, the situation is even worse. Some roads are so bad that walking on them is difficult, let alone driving. Many roads have never been built, and those that have were done through central schemes like MGNREGA and PMGSY. We feel abandoned by the state government,” said Spensar Marak, a civil society organisation (CSO) member from Chokpot. A resident expressed joy over the repair of the road from Chokpot to Jetra, which now allows buses to reach Jetra even during the monsoon. “Earlier, traveling to Jetra was nearly impossible during the rainy season. This small development has brought us great relief,” he added.
Another road connecting Chokpot to Gasuapara is in even worse condition. Many residents have to leave their vehicles in Chokpot for nearly five months every year because the road would severely damage their cars.
Chokpot has had the misfortune of being represented in the state assembly by opposition MLAs, but this time, the sitting MLA and MDC, Sengchim Sangma, is from the NPP. “There is hope that Chokpot will see development, but it depends on whether the MLA pushes for it. We hope he does justice for the thousands of people here,” said a resident.
A growing sense of anger and alienation is palpable among residents of Chokpot. “Agitations by CSOs and residents over the poor condition of the roads have yielded no results. It feels as though the government isn’t bothered by our suffering. We feel like second-class citizens in our own homes,” lamented Jish.
Residents believe the entire road network needs to be overhauled, with a new road sanctioned and built with urgency. “It’s only about 50 kilometers from Baromile to Sibbari. With the state receiving funds from the Centre and the World Bank, why can’t they sanction something for us? We have waited for so long. Will the government ever heed our pleas? We are citizens of this state and country, and this neglect makes us feel alienated,” said another resident from Silkigre.
Chokpot lags behind in almost every sector — education, economy, and development. Once you arrive in Chokpot, there’s a constant sense that something is not right, and you just want to leave as quickly as possible. For those bound by land and work, there is only a sense of despair. (To be continued)