Editor,
The most challenging survey, mapping and road planning in the state of Meghalaya is from Shillong to Dawki and that can be described as an engineering feat and dedicated hard-work of committed team of people, agencies and community organizations that have made this possible silently yet motivated to bring better connectivity one that is safe, comfortable and time bound. The developmental process of this entire stretch has not been an easy task from hurdles in land acquisition, compensation, realignment and expansion every bit has been something different with the intention to bring villages and local communities closer. The project funded under JICA and the state government chipping in its work has today transformed what was a congested area to commute is now a dream come true just like the national highway from Shillong to Tura. Environmental clearances, disaster mitigation plans and development of mitigation and prevention models would not have been possible without the expertise of individuals like Naba Bhattacharjee a Shillongite and other teams like NEEDS, Tynrai Foundation, Lasubon Nongkynrih, Allan Wahlang, Eudora Warjri, Gilbert Marak, Nayanika Rynjah even organizations like Meghalaya Institute of Governance who undertook the first Social Impact Assessment all of these and unmentioned names have been able to guide and execute collectively with the designated firms in a time bound manner. Today, the entire stretch of villages stand at the crossroads of taking advantage of the development and upscale in the economic activity that will soon open up. It is time that we open our eyes and minds towards ensuring safe connectivity with due respect and care towards Nature too.
Dominic S. Wankhar
Via e-mail
