Editor,
The ongoing road construction of package 2 of JICA project from Mylliem to Wahlyngkhat has become a nightmare for commuters, especially for those who rely on this route for essential travel. The project, which was expected to improve connectivity and ease transportation issues, is instead causing immense distress due to mismanagement and lack of proper execution.
One of the major setbacks in this project is the evident lack of manpower and necessary equipment. The company awarded the contract appears ill-equipped, with insufficient workers, tools and machinery to carry out the work efficiently. As a result, progress has been painfully slow and the quality of work remains questionable. Proper excavation and levelling require skilled labour and adequate machines, but their absence has turned the construction process into a chaotic and unorganized effort.
Instead of following a systematic approach, excavation along the route is being carried out haphazardly. Work begins in one location, only to be abandoned midway as the focus shifts to another spot. This erratic method, resembling a “treasure hunt,” leaves behind deep trenches, uneven surfaces and loose debris, making the road highly dangerous for motorists and pedestrians. Such an approach not only wastes time but also raises serious concerns about the competence of those handling the project.
The poor execution of the project has made daily travel a harrowing experience. For people who must use this route—students, workers, traders and especially the sick and pregnant—the condition of the road poses severe risks. Ambulances struggle to navigate the uneven terrain, delaying urgent medical care. Pregnant women and elderly individuals face extreme discomfort due to the bumpy and unsafe road conditions. Even for regular commuters, the journey has become physically exhausting and mentally frustrating.
At this rate, the project is bound to face significant delays. The slow pace of work, combined with poor planning and lack of resources, suggests that completion will take much longer than expected. This not only increases the financial burden but also prolongs the suffering of those dependent on this route. Furthermore, if the work is not executed properly, the quality of the road may deteriorate faster, leading to further maintenance issues in the near future.
The authorities responsible for overseeing this project must intervene immediately. There needs to be stricter monitoring to ensure that the contractor employs the necessary workforce and machinery. A clear, systematic approach must be adopted to complete the work in a timely and efficient manner. The safety and well-being of the people should be prioritized over profit and convenience.
The project, meant to be a symbol of progress, has instead become an example of poor planning and inefficiency. If immediate corrective measures are not taken, the struggles of the people will only worsen, and the project will remain stuck in an endless cycle of delays and inconvenience.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
No to the Observatory Hill
Editor,
Apropos of Barnes Mawrie SDB’s letter on “Reviving our Shillong Observatory Hill” (ST, March 10, 2025), there was a motorable road in the 70s and 80s connecting Motinagar and Upper Lumparing, Riat Laban, and further up to Sericulture Farm and Laban. It passes through thick forests on the upper reaches of Motinagar, Risa Colony, Cleve Colony and Malki up to Upper Lumparing. In the mid 70s, boys from Motinagar and Lumpyngad would meet in this jungle road and hold racing competitions for fun. There was no local sports club in those days. During the same time, (L) V. S. Jafa (IAS) was staying at his official residence in Motinagar. He and his family would go horse riding in the morning on this road.
Today, due to negligence, the Forest Department has reclaimed the motorable road, and the wooden bridges across the streams are no longer there. There was no Observatory Hill on this road as described by Barnes Mawrie. Instead, there are several rough foot paths going up the hill from this road leading up to Laitkor. Only when you go further up in locations where trees are sparse can you see Shillong city. There is no evidence of any road or steps that were made to reach these locations to make them as observation points for the British.
The rough foot paths were formed by the feet of villagers from Smit and Nongkrem carrying their produce to Iewduh over decades. I don’t know if the villagers are still using these foot paths with the number of cars available now.
I disagree with Barnes Mawrie on turning this forest into a bustling tourist spot. It is a water catchment area which was feeding clean potable water to localities like Motinagar, Risa Colony, Malki etc. During my teens in the 70s, when rainfall was plenty, we would go hiking into the forest and up the Laitkor hill. Along one of the streams there were three small waterfalls at a distance from each other, and at the bottom of one of them there was a pool where we enjoyed swimming. In summer we would collect mushrooms (Tit Syiar) from the forest and before Christmas we could get the “Tiew Christmas.” The forest, although depleted now, is unspoilt environmentally, and is perhaps the only place in and around Shillong city that is still remaining so. Perhaps the Forest Department reclaiming the old road was a blessing in disguise. What the Government should do henceforth is to maintain the forest and rejuvenate the streams if the volume of water has decreased and to sustain them so that they can continue feeding water to the localities as mentioned. Let us keep this part of Shillong unspoilt and allow people, especially the adventurous younger generation, the chance to trek and spend time exploring. People of Shillong who enjoy the outdoors other than concrete jungles can do so easily because it is just next door. In fact, I have friends who are retired who enjoy the serenity of morning walks in this forest, and who trek up to Laitkor and back.
Do not destroy the serenity still existing in this place by turning it to a bustling tourist spot for gain. Let it be one of the few legacies of Shillong that is worth leaving for the next generation.
Yours etc.,
L.M.F.Sohtun
Shillong – 4.