Nongpoh: Concerned over the pathetic condition of the interstate road connecting Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur (NUS) road via Umden to Byrnihat especially in areas where the railway project is being implemented, a conglomerate of headmen under the banner of Shakoikuna Area Interstate Border Development Organization (SAIBDO) on Tuesday conducted spot inspection along with media persons.
SAIBDO general secretary and headman of Pamsohbar, Lawrence Nongrum said that more than hundred villages were badly affected due to the deplorable conditions of the road as it has been completely abandoned and so far no repair work has been done since the completion of black-topping.
Though, this particular interstate border road was funded by the Central Scheme under the North Eastern Council, we did not expect it to be damaged within a short period of time, but due to the inferior quality built by the contractor, the road does not even last a year, Nongrum lamented.
In addition, the commencement of railway project instead of benefitting the local people is a curse to the ones residing near the border areas as the road in the villages near the project was completely damaged making the situation worse for the daily commuter, he added.
“Plying of heavy truck overloaded with earth and other materials during the construction of the railway project is one of the main issues which have turned this NEC road into bad shape giving the commuters an off-roading experience,” the headman said.
As the road requires immediate repair, Nongrum urged the state government to take immediate steps to address the difficulties faced by the people, adding that at present commercial vehicles and even 108 ambulances refuse to ply through this road making it difficult especially in time of emergencies.
In this connection, SAIBDO has demanded the railway authorities to immediately repair the portion of the damaged road failing which, the headmen under SAIBDO will not allow the railway authorities to carry out their construction work in the near future.
Meanwhile, the leaders of SAIBDO also decided to meet PWD officials, local representatives of Nongpoh and Jirang Constituency respectively urging them to initiate the matter with the government at the earliest.
