Baghmara, May 1: Social activist, Greneth Sangma has shot off a complaint to the Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) objecting to the transfer of the NH -217 between Dudhnoi – Baghmara – Dalu to the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation of India (NHIDCL) over what he alleged was negligence by the company towards road construction across Garo Hills.
In what he called systemic negligence by the highway authorities, Greneth called his complaint a public representation after he apparently spoke to various residents on the matter.
“We voice our earnest and firm opposition to the proposed transfer of the NH-217 project (formerly NH-51) from the State National NHIDCL. The NH-217 project is a vital lifeline connecting Dudhnoi (Assam) to Dalu (Meghalaya) via Baghmara. However, our community has lost all confidence in NHIDCL’s ability to deliver durable infrastructure,” he said.
The activist stated that their concerned were based on the ground reality of ongoing projects. He pointed to the still ongoing Tura – Dalu section of the NH 51 where official reports suggested that NHIDCL has completed significant sections of the Tura to Dalu widening project.
“However, as residents and eye-witnesses, we state categorically that the ground reality contradicts these reports. Large portions remain incomplete or poorly executed, yet they are being treated as finished in administrative records. This is a clear case of gross negligence and lack of oversight,” asserted Greneth.
Another recently completed project – the Baghmara – Ranikor NH was also referred to where construction quality was unacceptable.
“Shortly after the work was purportedly completed, the road surface suffered extensive damage. The materials and methods used by NHIDCL-contracted firms clearly do not withstand the heavy rainfall and terrain of the Garo Hills, leading to a massive waste to the public exchequer,” he felt.
He further touched on the accountability factor of upcoming projects including the Dudhnoi – Darugre expansion as well as the 29 km Tura Bypass project.
“Handing these critical components over to NHIDCL given their track record with the Tura-Dalu and Shillong-Baghmara roads will result in further “paper-only” completions that leave our district disconnected and our economy stifled.
He felt the NH Division remained more accessible and accountable to the local population than the NHIDCL and as such sought halt to the transfer of NH-217 project components to NHIDCL, retain jurisdiction with the State NH Division for better local monitoring and order a high-level inquiry into the false completion claims regarding the Tura-Dalu section and the poor durability of the Shillong-Baghmara road.
“We appeal to ensure that the citizens of SGH are provided with the high-quality, 2-lane paved shoulder roads envisioned by your Ministry. We seek infrastructure that is built with integrity and durability, rather than the substandard work and negligence we are currently witnessing,” the complaint added.
The complaint was sent yesterday, April 30.
