The exclusion of Bataw village in East Jaintia Hills from the proposed four-lane project has drawn criticism from residents.
A letter sent by the Waheh Shnong of Bataw, Deihok Sumer, to the EJH Deputy Commissioner stated that a letter dated December 13, 2024 had been sent to 31 Waheh Shnong under East Jaintia Hills with a request to attend the review meeting with regard to the new alignment of the four-lane project under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
However, he said that Bataw has not been mentioned nor included in the letter and this has created surprise in the village as it covers a large area along the route and other adjacent villages have been included. Representatives of NHIDCL had surveyed Bataw village and the neighbouring forest and had reportedly confirmed that they would fall under the project.
