Social activist Greneth Sangma has demanded the completion of the bridge over the River Rompa in South Garo Hills, as it would shorten the distance to travel between villages by close to 40km.
Thanking the Public Works Department for the near completion of the PMGSY road that will connect more than 15 villages between Balkal Asim to Kharukhol, Sangma said the road will be a game changer.
“What we need today is the completion of the Rompa Bridge that connects Eringgre, which will help connect these villages and shorten the travel distance by close to 40km for those travelling to Nengkong and Karukol from places like Sibbari, Chokpot or Tura,” said the activist.
He added that the lack of a connection across the river has led to tremendous hardships to those residing in these villages, especially when it came to medical treatment, food and civil supply and economic development.
“During the monsoons, hundreds of students have to remain at home instead of going to school in the absence of a bridge. It is the right time for the department to take this matter as a priority. We would also suggest that the department should also consider constructing an embankment on either side of the river or having a bridge will be total waste. The lack of embankments will wash away any bridge in due course,” he opined.
Sangma felt the completion of the bridge was a must if a connection needs to happen between the villages of Karukol, Nengkong, etc to the National Highway 62.
“It is a must not only from the point of connectivity but also for total development of the region. In today’s context, even for urgent medical treatment, patients are carried on makeshift stretchers or taken by boat to Baghmara. This bridge also will make it easy for all – students, traders and farmers of the region,” he felt.
