From Our Correspondent
Nongpoh, Oct 4: The proposed construction of the four-lane high-speed corridor from Umiam to Malidor has met with opposition.
The residents of Umroi Madan fear that the water sources of the village might be impacted by the road project. Some village leaders, however, have shown support for it.
Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon visited the site of a major water source and assessed the situation personally.
During a visit, this correspondent observed that the water source in Umroi, located at the base of a hill through which the high-speed corridor road project is planned, lies close to some newly-constructed houses.
People opposing the project alleged that these houses were built by individuals to claim compensation in the event of acquisition of their land for the highway.
There are concerns that if the highway follows the new alignment, the water source would be severely impacted as it is situated at the lower slopes near paddy fields.
As seen in similar other road projects, excavation required for this new road may not only destroy the water sources but also result in significant losses for farmers and residents living at the base of the hill due to soil erosion and land subsidence.
Talking to this correspondent on the condition of anonymity, some residents alleged that elements with vested interests might be behind this new road alignment which stretches from Umeit to Syllei-U-Lar, passing through the private properties of senior government officials and wealthy individuals with close ties with the government.
Further, the residents claimed that many rich people have already purchased land along the proposed route. They wondered if the change in road alignment was intended to benefit a few high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals, without considering the losses likely to be suffered by the villagers or the financial burden on the government due to the new alignment.
What is more surprising is the sudden rise of new houses, built mostly using CGI sheets and bamboo along the proposed route, allegedly to claim compensation.
Some landowners, besides building new houses, have also planted banana trees but without roots, allegedly to claim compensation.
Allegations of bias against Ri-Bhoi Addl DC
The residents of Umroi Madan were called for a meeting at the office of the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, left the residents dissatisfied. They accused the official of showing bias and failing to address their concerns.
In a letter submitted to the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner on Friday, the aggrieved residents said the meeting did not resolve the issues they raised, especially the potential loss of their water sources.
They also expressed concern that the meeting included landowners from other villages, unrelated to Umroi Madan, who were involved solely for compensation purposes. These individuals, mostly from urban areas, had purchased land recently in anticipation of the high-speed corridor road project to claim compensation.
The villagers opposing the project urged the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to reconsider the current plan and explore alternative routes which would avoid impacting the village’s water source and the surrounding environment.