The Meghalaya High Court today pulled up the State PWD for the rampant manner in which the Jowai By-Pass is being constructed including the dumping of soil and debris into Myntdu River.
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew and Justice B Bhattacharjee was hearing a letter petition sent by concerned individuals on the matter.
From an examination of the photographs that have been provided together with the letter petition dated July 9, 2024 and also the subsequent materials and photographs in the observation report filed by Amicus in the matter P Yobin, the High Court said that an alarming situation exists with regard to the manner and method in which the Jowai By-Pass is being constructed.
As per the status report, the length of the By-Pass spans at a total of 5.915 km for which a substantial amount of Rs 9358.66 lakh has been sanctioned for execution of the project.
As per the status report, there is abject neglect by the contractor and the Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads) in giving due consideration to the damage that is being caused not only to Myntdu River and its surroundings but also to the valuable paddy cultivation of the villagers.
“This court notes with concern at this callous attitude in execution of the project and the disregard in preserving the environment. All those responsible shall and will be held accountable in the course of the proceedings,” the High Court said.
Advocate General Amit Kumar requested the court to give some time to the PWD to come up with more details, especially as to how the land was acquired, whether any impact assessment was conducted, and also the present stage of clearance of the debris and construction of necessary protection to prevent the dumping and spilling of debris and siltation of the Myntdu River.
Accordingly, the court directed that the detailed status report should be furnished before the division bench within two weeks from today. The next hearing on the matter will be held on September 24.
