Shillong – Dawki road project to be allocated at the earliest

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 19: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong said that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) are on the job to allot the works related to the surrendered packages of the Shillong-Dawki road project.

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“Retendering process has been done for the few packages,” Tynsong said.

He also pointed out that the process is not under the jurisdiction of the state government as it is being done directly by the Ministry concerned.

“The Ministry has handed over the project to NHIDCL so the NHIDCL are on the job to allot the works of those surrendered few packages,” he added.

On February 6, the Meghalaya High Court had directed the authorities concerned to ensure the Shillong-Dawki road is completed without undue delay while citing that the widening and realignment of the Shillong to Dawki road will give a big boost to the State and aid in greater accessibility.

The court order also presented the actual status of the five packages of the project that include Rilbong to Mylliem Marbaniang covering 11.6 km; Mylliem Marbaniang to Wahlyngkhat of a length of 26.55 km; Wahlyngkhat to Siatbakon covering a bypass of 8 km; Siatbakon to Wahkdait for 17.77 km; and Wahkdait to Tamabil Dawki of 7.99 km.

Of the five packages, the contract for the Rilbong to Mylliem Marbaniang stretch is due to be awarded, subject to receipt of adequate response, by March, 2023.

The second package awaits land acquisition in seven pockets covering a length of 1.30 km, shifting of pipelines and removal of some electric poles.

The State had assured the Court that the seven pockets of disputes pertaining to land acquisition will be resolved by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills as expeditiously as possible. Such exercise should be completed, preferably, by the end of April, 2023.

In addition, the State said that the shifting of pipelines and the electric poles will be completed by the Public Health Engineering Department and the Meghalaya Power Distribution Company Limited, respectively, by the end of this financial year.

The third package of 8 km envisages the construction of a bypass and land acquisition is pending for the entire stretch. It would be a shame if the other parts are completed and the entire work is stalled because of land being unavailable or acquisition thereof being incomplete in respect of the 8-km stretch.

The State should use its resources and authority to complete the acquisition proceedings as expeditiously as possible and, preferably, by the end of June, 2023 so that the work for such stretch can be taken up immediately thereafter.

For the fourth package of 17.77 km, there is a dispute pertaining to the land covering 0.710 km which should be resolved by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills with the 25 landowners by the end of April, 2023. For a further 0.120 km, the acquisition proceedings should also be completed expeditiously, and before the end of June, 2023.

For the fifth package, some small portions of the land remain unacquired due to the disputes raised by erstwhile landowners. The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills should again resolve the issue by the end of April, 2023.

Women share experiences at Women’s Day event celebrated in Meghalaya’s capital city

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 12: The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Shillong Pinecity celebrated Women’s Day at Prime Hub Meghalaya yesterday where women’s health and well – being were the main themes of the event.

Three accomplished women were invited to speak as guests as a part of the subject which included Shaidalin Marbaniang, a renowned female entrepreneur who makes completely compostable sanitary napkins, Dr. Jagjeet Sethi, a renowned dermatologist from Hope Clinic, Shillong, and Dr. Kerlin Mihsill, a renowned gynaecologist from Hope Clinic, Shillong.

The three notable speakers shared their personal and professional life experiences and well as their vision for women folk.

In addition to Dr. Sethi and Marbaniang educating the audience about women’s hygiene, well-being, and strategies to deal with medical issues, Dr. Mihsill gave a presentation on improving women’s health. The presentation was followed by an open forum where members and other guests put up questions which the speakers provided better understanding about the health and wellbeing of women.

It may be noted here that JCI Shillong Pinecity is the local branch of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global non-profit organisation dedicated to developing young, engaged citizens and leaders. JCI operates by empowering its members to make a good, long-lasting difference in their local communities.