The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) on Thursday requested the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills to look into the hardships faced by the people due to the daily traffic jam on the Umshyrpi – Upper Shillong road.
In a letter to the DC, President of the FKJGP Upper Shillong Circle Kitboklang Nongphlang said that the reason for the traffic jam is due to laying of pipeline by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department on the road adjacent to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department’s farm at Sixth Mile, Upper Shillong.
He said this road connects the State headquarter with all areas under Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, Mawphlang Block, Sohiong C&RD Block, Mawsynram C&RD Block, West Khasi Hills District, South West Khasi Hills District and Eastern West Khasi Hills District.
He said that therefore, any traffic jam caused on this road leads to massive traffic chaos and as a result thousands of travelers, passengers, office goers, tourists and commuters are affected. People from the rural areas in need of urgent medical treatment in Shillong are the worst affected.
The traffic jam has also caused great difficulties to students. Most of them, especially those who are appearing for their pre-Board examinations, were compelled to walk on foot in order to reach their various examination centres in Shillong.
The moot question is who will take the responsibility if these students could not reach their examination centres in time. Students from Shillong studying in schools located in Upper Shillong such as Army School in 101 Area and Kendriya Vidyalaya in Eastern Air Command were also among the affected.
Nongphlang also expressed concern over the inordinate delay to commence the work for construction of the four-lane highway from Umshyrpi to Umtyngngar and said the commuters have become scapegoats due to this delay caused by issues of land acquisition etc.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP has suggested that the work for laying of pipeline by the PHE Department on this road be carried out at night time when the flow of traffic is less.
“ We also urge upon you to direct the concerned authorities of the Forest and Environment Department and Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) respectively to expedite the works for felling of trees and shifting of electric poles along this road so that the four-lane highway project could be started in areas where there are no land disputes,” Nongphlang said in the letter.