Shillong, Nov 3: The deteriorating condition of NH-217, South Garo Hills’ lifeline, was discussed at a meeting held at the Baghmara Circuit House on Tuesday.
Rongara-Siju MLA Rakkam A. Sangma, who chaired the meeting with civil society groups and district officials, said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD Prestone Tynsong had met the Secretary, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi on October 31, seeking sanction for immediate repair and maintenance to improve safety and traffic flow.
He said the emergency repairs would provide immediate relief while the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) works on two proposed double-lane stretches in the region.
The MLA sought cooperation from all sections to ensure movement of commuters and essential services is not affected and to allow the administration to expedite repairs.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner SK Singh, SP Rikrang T.G. Momin, NPP district president Prosper S. Marak, church representatives, Baghmara Citizens Forum and others.
Participants called for sustained dialogue between civil society and the administration to monitor repair progress as residents continue to face difficulties due to the highway’s poor condition.
