The Siju unit of the Garo Students Union (GSU) has raised concerns about poorly constructed tourism infrastructure at Siju Caves and demanded the State government to conduct a comprehensive audit and take action to rectify the damages or reconstruct the structures.
The GSU said the Adventure Park amounting to Rs 2.50 crore, Bird Watch Tower, Siju Cave Interpretation Centre with Cafeteria (Rs 3.16 crore), approach road and parking (Rs 2.19 crore), solar illumination and landscape (Rs 50. 66 lakh) are already deteriorating even before the site has been officially opened to the public despite adequate funding.
The union, in a letter to Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh through the South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, said the newly developed infrastructures at Siju Caves sponsored under the central Swadesh Darshan Scheme have developed cracks, leaks and other visible signs of structural failure which indicated substandard construction materials and improper execution of work.
In addition to the projects, the GSU also raised questions about the construction of a zipline at Rs. 75 lakh stating that though the contractor had obtained the completion certificate, the project was shifted to another location. “As per the RTI reply dated 17.12.2024 the said zipline has been shifted to another location with government approval however it is nowhere to be seen in and around Siju or even in the whole district of South Garo Hills,” the GSU said.
Terming the shift arbitrary, the union said the state government’s action is unacceptable. “Such mismanagement not only waste public’s money but also tarnishes the reputation of our tourism sector. Tourists and visitors expect well-maintained facilities that enhance their experience, but with such poorly built infrastructure, the safety and satisfaction of visitors are at great risk,” the union added.
The GSU further demanded for a thorough investigation and to hold those responsible for negligence accountable.
