Shillong, May 17: Farmers in Shangpung, West Jaiñtia Hills, will no longer face monsoon isolation as a new Rs 49.98 lakh hanging footbridge over the Umyurem River was inaugurated on Saturday, restoring year-round access to agricultural paddies cut off during floods.
The bridge, funded by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, directly links farmlands separated by the river. For years, rising water levels in the Umyurem had disrupted cultivation and daily movement, leaving villagers stranded during heavy rains.
Former cabinet minister and Raliang MLA Comingone Ymbon, who inaugurated the bridge, said rural infrastructure is key to improving livelihoods and accessibility. Alongside the bridge, he announced Rs 15 crore in additional amenities for Shangpung, including blacktopping of internal roads and procurement of garbage collection vehicles.
