Shillong, May 11: A petition has been filed before the court of Meghalaya Lokayukta that raises allegations concerning the renovation of the suspension footbridge over the Rongdi stream in Rongara situated in the South Garo Hills district.
The petition has been filed by Barthazar G. Momin, President of the Garo Hills Youth Solidarity (GHYS), Rongara Unit citing misuse of public funds, poor workmanship, and potential abuse of an official position.
The petition focuses on renovation works carried out during the financial year 2022-2023, which received funding of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs. The detailed project report (DPR) specified the use of various new construction materials such as steel wire ropes and aluminium chequered plates. However, the work allegedly fell short of the prescribed specifications and engineering standards, Momin said.
According to the petition, inferior and substandard materials were used, including old aluminium chequered plates instead of new ones. It was pointed out that certain parts of the bridge were constructed using low-quality materials, raising concerns regarding public safety. Despite these issues, the Block Development Officer (BDO) issued completion and utilization certificates without proper inspection.
Momin said the bridge renovation work was reportedly awarded to Dolrich Ch. Sangma.
The petitioner has also stated that the bridge suffered damage within a short period after completion, raising concerns regarding public safety and the possible misuse of government funds.
He said the damaged bridge serves as a crucial connectivity route for villagers and requested the Lokayukta to examine the contractor’s role and the officials involved, ensure an independent technical inspection of the bridge, and take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
Momin said the bridge serves as an important connectivity route for villagers, students, elderly persons, and patients, especially during the monsoon season when the Rongdi Stream becomes difficult and dangerous to cross.
