The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has said that major repair and restructure works of the dilapidated National Highway 6 in East Jaiñtia Hills will commence in September, when the rain subsides.
This was stated by NHAI project director, Aanand Singh Chauhan during an inspection carried out by Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi and Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, to examine the condition of the NH 6 following a massive landslide in Kuliang this morning.
Vehicular movement on the National Highway NH 6, a crucial lifeline that connect Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, was halted for several hours leaving commuter stranded. In fact the road had suffered extensive damage due to years of neglect and heavy rains that triggered frequent landslides have exacerbated the situation, reducing large sections to muddy, impassable stretches.
Chauhan said that for the time being works will continue afoot to clear the debris and to stabilise the affected areas. He said two excavators will be stationed along the landslide prone stretch to enable traffic movement.
Awasthi said the National Highway has been experiencing landslides every week. “We are in touch with NHAI and we have directed them to place excavators so that temporary works could be carried out for immediate relief of the public. In September we are hopeful that major works along the highway will be carried out,” he said.
The DC said restorative works are being carried out at the stretch in Lumshnong. In May, heavy downpour of water from the hilltop onto the collapsed portion of the highway had threatened to further destroy the entire highway portion.
Prasad said police in Ratacherra and Umkiang have been directed to divert all heavy vehicles coming from Assam from alternate routes and commuters are advised to be cautious while travelling along the NH 6 and to avoid the stretch till the debris is cleared.
“I understand how the road has affected the people but I would urge them to be patient while clearing works are on,” Shylla said.
Expressing concern over the conditions of the NH 6 the MLA was hopeful that the misery of the people will end in winter.
