By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 8: A viral video circulating widely on social media, particularly on WhatsApp on Friday, triggered fresh controversy over the new Assembly building at Mawkasiang, New Shillong Township, after it appeared to show a portion of the roof coming apart.
The concerns have surfaced at a time when the Assembly building is in the final stages of completion and is expected to be handed over in the first week of June.
Sources associated with the project, however, clarified that the viral video did not depict any structural failure. They said the footage showed ongoing cleaning and finishing work being carried out as part of preparations for the final handover.
The contractor, Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam Ltd, denied reports of any roof collapse. Officials of the company said the roof sheets were being cleaned and a section was being replaced after it was found that certain portions required fresh installation.
According to project officials, the work forms part of routine finishing activities, including cleaning of windows and roof sheets, and is not linked to any structural defect.
Sumit Roy of Design Associates, Delhi, who is supervising the work, said a portion of the roof sheet was found to have stickers and improper cleaning marks, following which the contractor was advised to replace the affected sheet with a new one.
He explained that the replacement work had started two days ago and was expected to be completed on Friday itself.
Roy added that the project is now in its final stage, with only cleaning and minor finishing works remaining before completion.
The PWD (Buildings) is expected to issue an official clarification on the matter.
