By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 28: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) administration has intensified safety measures on the campus, following a recent incident in which two students were hit by a car allegedly driven by a drunken security guard near Gate No. 2.
The university has installed key road safety signage, including a 30 kmph speed limit and mandatory helmet use for two-wheeler riders and cyclists. Additional measures are being implemented to enhance pedestrian safety, the authorities said.
NEHU Chief Engineer Lening Bareh informed reporters that the responsibility for installing permanent speed breakers lies with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). “We have already written to CPWD, and they have assured us that they will install speed breakers at all key junctions,” he said.
However, citing urgency, Bareh said the university has independently ordered rubberised speed breakers for immediate installation across several high-risk points, placed at intervals of around 300 metres.
Meanwhile, three major road projects worth Rs 5.53 crore are being executed by the CPWD inside the campus.
A key project is the road linking Gate No. 2 to the newly constructed Gate No. 1. The NEHU Teachers’ Association had demanded the immediate opening of Gate No. 1.
However, the completion of this stretch will enable the formal opening of Gate No. 1. Bareh said the projects, sanctioned in 2024, were delayed due to prolonged rains but are now expected to be completed this month.
According to the tender norms, CPWD will maintain the roads for one to two years after completion.
Bareh clarified that the reopening of Gate No. 1 will depend on the university administration.
“The road from Gate 2 to Gate 1 is currently under re-carpeting. We cannot reopen the gate yet because the work is being done during the day when supervision is possible,” he added.
The contractor for Gate No. 1 has already handed over the project to the university.
To enhance night-time safety, NEHU has begun replacing its old streetlights with solar-powered systems.
Bareh said this move was prompted by high electricity costs, with the university paying Rs 50-60 lakh per month.
“We have an agreement with the contractor to maintain the solar lights for two years. Lighting inside the campus is now much better than before,” he noted.
The administration maintains that the upgraded road network, enhanced lighting, and strengthened safety protocols are part of an ongoing effort to make the campus safer for students and pedestrians.
Students on path to recovery
In a positive development, the two M.Sc. Chemistry students — Stephanie Shadap (22) and Daritngen Ponduhkhei (20) — are showing steady signs of recovery at Nazareth Hospital.
Hospital authorities informed The Shillong Times on Friday that both students, who had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), have now been shifted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) as they showed signs of improvement.
Daritngen, who had been in a more critical state, is reportedly responding well to treatment and has now begun eating, the sources added.
Family members of both students have expressed satisfaction with the medical care being provided at the hospital.
Members of the Executive Committee of the North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) on Friday also visited the injured students to enquire about their health.
