SHILLONG, July 20: The state government on Sunday said the under-construction bridge downstream of the Umiam Dam has been structurally designed to withstand any risk posed by the discharge of water from the dam.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Public Works Department (PWD-Roads) portfolio, said the project team had done its due diligence before initiating construction.
According to him, engineers and architects involved in the project took into account all critical hydrological risks, including the potential impact of the discharge of water from the Umiam reservoir.
His remarks come amid growing public concerns over the bridge’s proximity to the dam and its vulnerability to flooding during periods of overflow.
Tynsong said the height of the new bridge was raised to ensure that any overflow from the dam does neither compromise the structure nor endanger the lives of commuters.
The bridge, located approximately 100 metres from the Umiam Dam, is part of broader efforts to upgrade road infrastructure in the region.
Talking about the alternate road project connecting Mawlai Bypass with Umroi, Tynsong said one of the key bridges along the proposed route is nearly 90% complete. The government earlier set a project deadline of December 2025 but he said unforeseen delays could push it to the early part of 2026.
However, he was confident the road would be fully operational by March next year.
The alternate road is expected to serve as a crucial bypass, easing traffic congestion and providing additional access to key areas, including the airport and eastern parts of Ri-Bhoi district. The route will offer not just logistical convenience but also an important alternative during periods when the main Umiam road is under maintenance.
Tynsong said the state government is actively monitoring both infrastructure projects to ensure that they meet safety and durability standards.
He stressed that the concerns raised by the public are valid but reiterated that the PWD has already incorporated those very concerns into the bridge’s design and elevation.
As the construction progresses, the government is expected to release more technical details and timelines to keep the public informed and address lingering apprehensions surrounding infrastructure development near critical water bodies.
