Shillong, Sep 19: The A·chik Society for Ownership of Native Grounds (ASONG) has objected to the proposed reduction of Right of Way for the NH-217 Darugre-Baghmara-Dalu project from 24 metres to 18 metres in built-up areas and to the proposed transfer of the project to NHIDCL.
In a letter to the South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner the organisation said that such a substantial reduction in the highway corridor may have long-term implications for highway safety, drainage, paved shoulders, utility corridor, land requirement and future widening.
ASONG argued that avoiding existing structures and trees should not by itself result in permanently narrowing the highway corridor and that technically suitable alternative alignments should first be examined wherever feasible.
It further demanded that since the DPR is reportedly being revised and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2026, the revised alignment, RoW, land requirement, pavement design and safety provisions should be made available to affected stakeholders before final approval and tendering.
ASONG also contended that before entrusting further major works to NHIDCL, the disputed completion claims and quality of existing NH works, particularly the Tura-Dalu and Shillong-Baghmara sections, should be subjected to an independent technical inspection. It said any substantial change in the planned scope, alignment or RoW should not be finalised without appropriate consultation with affected landowners, local communities and other stakeholders.
Maintaining that NH-217 should be developed as a safe, durable and future-ready two-lane highway with paved shoulders without creating avoidable capacity, safety and land acquisition problems in the future, ASONG urged the DC to take the objection on record, oppose the RoW reduction unless fully supported by proper technical justification, ensure transparency and meaningful stakeholder consultation on the revised DPR and reconsider the transfer of NH-217 to NHIDCL until existing technical and accountability concerns are independently examined.
