BJP seeks probe into recurring landslides along Shillong-Dawki road project

Shillong, June 22 (IANS) Meghalaya's ruling alliance partner BJP has sought a detailed inquiry into the recurring landslides and disruption of road connectivity along the under-construction Shillong-Dawki road project, raising concerns over the safety and long-term sustainability of the key infrastructure corridor. 

Addressing reporters in Shillong on Monday, Meghalaya BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said the massive landslide reported on the highway on Sunday was not an isolated incident and pointed out that similar occurrences had been reported earlier along different stretches of the project.

Expressing concern over the repeated slope failures, Kharkrang stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to identify the factors responsible for the landslides and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

"The inquiry must be instituted to find out the reasons leading to these incidents. Based on the findings, corrective measures should be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future," he said.

Kharkrang noted that recurring landslides have not only disrupted road connectivity but have also raised questions regarding slope stability and the overall execution of the project.

He said the safety of commuters and workers associated with the project should remain the foremost priority for the authorities.

According to the BJP leader, the findings of the inquiry would help determine whether the incidents were caused by geological factors, construction-related issues, inadequate slope protection measures or other technical shortcomings.

He further urged the agencies involved in the project to take all necessary precautions and adopt scientific mitigation measures to minimise the risk of future landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, when such incidents become more frequent.

The Shillong-Dawki road project is considered one of Meghalaya's most important infrastructure initiatives, aimed at improving connectivity between the state capital Shillong and Dawki, a major trade and tourism hub near the India-Bangladesh border.

However, recurring landslides along the project corridor have sparked concerns among residents and commuters, prompting calls for a closer examination of the project's safety and engineering standards.

--IANS

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