TURA, Oct 19: The GSU, Central Executive Committee, has urged the three MLAs of South Garo Hills to jointly press Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for immediate intervention to address the deteriorating condition of the National Highway-217.
GSU president Zikku Balgra N. Marak appealed to Rongara-Siju MLA Rakkam A Sangma, Chokpot MLA Sengchim N Sangma and Baghmara MLA Kartush R Marak to rise above party lines and take up the issue with the chief minister.
Highlighting the plight of commuters along the Baghmara-Karongre stretch, the union said the damaged road was affecting patients travelling to Baghmara Civil Hospital, students attending classes and examinations, and farmers transporting produce to markets. It also alleged that transportation difficulties were driving up the cost of essential commodities. The union pointed out that residents of Tojanang, Dompai and other areas had been forced to repair roads, reflecting their desperation over the poor road maintenance.
Despite protests, memorandums and non-cooperation movements, the union said, a permanent solution remained elusive due to delays in land acquisition compensation, the stalled tendering process and uncertainty over the proposed transfer of the project to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
GSU called for a joint delegation of the three MLAs to meet the chief minister and urge him to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite land acquisition approval, compensation and the commencement of construction.
It also demanded accountability and durable, all-weather road construction suited to the terrain and heavy rainfall of Garo Hills, irrespective of whether the work was undertaken by the State PWD’s National Highways Division or NHIDCL.
As an immediate measure, the union sought major repairs along the Baghmara-Karongre and Baghmara-Dangsa Awe stretches until the full project gets underway.
Describing South Garo Hills as one of the oldest districts but among the most neglected in road connectivity, GSU urged the legislators to make NH-217 a top priority in their next meeting with the chief minister.