BAGHMARA, Feb 1: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Siju regional unit, has written to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, alleging substandard construction of tourism infrastructure in the picturesque village of Siju.
In a complaint submitted to the tourism minister through the deputy commissioner on Friday, the GSU stated that several tourism structures near the Siju Caves were poorly built and had already fallen into a dilapidated state, even though they had not yet been inaugurated.
It is pertinent to note that the project near the Siju Caves was part of the centrally sponsored Swadesh Darshan Scheme under the Ministry of Tourism. It included multiple components, such as an adventure park built at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore, a bird-watching tower with an interpretation centre worth Rs 3.16 crore, an approach road and parking that cost Rs 2.19 crore, solar illumination installed for Rs 50.66 lakh, and a zip line valued at Rs 75 lakh.
“Even before its inauguration, these structures are already in dilapidation. There are cracks, leaks and visible signs of structural failure indicative of poor-quality construction. There were ample funds available for quality construction but this has not been used properly,” said GSU unit secretary, Welbingstar Sangma.
Sangma further stated that, according to an RTI response received on December 17, 2024, completion certificates for most of these projects had already been obtained, and the contractors had withdrawn the allocated funds.
The department’s response also mentioned that the zip line had been shifted to another location with government approval. However, the GSU alleged that no such infrastructure actually exists anywhere in Siju.
Demanding a thorough investigation, Sangma asserted that the arbitrary shifting of the zip line was unacceptable.
“Such mismanagement not only wastes public money but also tarnishes the reputation of the tourism sector in the state. Visitors expect well-maintained facilities that enhance their experience but with such poorly constructed infrastructure, the safety and security of tourists themselves are at risk. The funds allocated for the project should be audited in a transparent manner and those deviating should be taken to task,” he said.
