From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Oct 27: A joint inspection of the Jorabat-Umiam four-lane highway was carried out on Monday to address long-standing concerns raised by the North Khasi Hills district unit of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) over safety hazards and infrastructural shortcomings along the route.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ri-Bhoi district administration, and village authorities of Nongpoh, Iew Mawlong, and Mawdiangum, along with representatives of the KSU, inspected several critical stretches requiring urgent repairs and safety interventions.
The latest inspection follows a reminder petition submitted by the KSU to the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi and to the NHAI through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The union noted that although the issues were first raised in 2016, repeated inspections and assurances have not led to substantial progress on the ground.
Among those present were Ri-Bhoi Assistant Commissioner Akash R. Marak, NHAI consultant Krishna Gutty, KSU-North Khasi Hills president Ferdynald Kharkamni, village headmen, and community elders.
During the visit, the Union reiterated its demands for the construction of pedestrian footbridges at Nongpoh, Byrnihat, Umling, Umsning Patarim, and Mawlein Mawkhan; the repainting of zebra crossings and installation of rumble strips at strategic points across Nongpoh town; urgent repair of damaged road sections; installation of signboards and computerised speed-control systems; and improvement of drainage systems to convert them into pedestrian footpaths with railings to ensure safety.
It was informed earlier that the NHAI would install streetlights along a five-kilometre stretch in Nongpoh town, from Umlyngkdait to Umjarasi Nongthymmai on the NH-6 service lane. The KSU stated that if the streetlights are not found to be adequately bright, three high-powered floodlights should be installed at Downgate, Bethany Outreach Hospital junction, and Iewmawlong, as these are among the busiest and most crucial junctions in town.
Following the inspection, the NHAI assured that a detailed work report will be submitted to the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner by October 31, after which necessary steps for implementation will be taken up. The assurance has raised cautious optimism among KSU leaders and residents, who have repeatedly expressed concern over the growing risks faced by commuters, schoolchildren, and pedestrians along the route.
Speaking to reporters, Kharkamni said that while the union appreciates the commitments made by the NHAI, visible progress must be seen within a month. He emphasised that the union will no longer accept delays, given the repeated instances of inspection without execution in the past.
“We are encouraged by the assurance, but the people cannot continue to wait indefinitely. If there is no visible initiative within one month, the Union will be compelled to take a stand, including the closure of the NHAI Toll Plaza at 20 Mile, Pahammawlein,” Kharkamni said.
He further stated that it is unjustifiable for the toll plaza to continue collecting revenue while failing to ensure essential public safety measures.
The KSU maintained that the matter must no longer remain confined to paperwork, stressing that the safety and rights of the people of Ri-Bhoi must be addressed without delay.
