Meghalaya: Enough is enough, says residents of Baghmara; rallies against contractors of NH 62
From Our Correspondent, TNT News | Baghmara, June 07, 2018:
The 'lackadaisical attitude' of some contractors in implementing the projects awarded to them on time has irked the residents of Baghmara and this 'repetitive' approach did not end well with the residents of this town. Enough is enough, echoed the voices of the people in response to this behaviour and finally filed an FIR against the contractors over the delay in the start of repair work on the National Highway – 62.
Chavan Sangma, a resident of Baghmara and a leader of the Baghmara Citizens' Forum (BCF) on Tuesday filed the FIR against the contractors over the delay in the start of work as well as poor repair quality of those stretches that had somewhat been repaired.
According to the FIR filed, a total length of 100 kilometres was allotted and divided between the four contractors for periodic repairs. The contractors who were allotted the work were M/S JC Infra Corporation Ltd (which has completed 12 Kms out of the total allotted 29 Kms and not according to estimate). Another Contractor, MP Agarwala has recently restarted the work but not as per estimate.
The other two contractors, Ohme Marak and M/S CLL International Ltd are yet to start any repair work.
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The rally of protest yesterday saw the participation of almost the entire town, which gathered in front of the office of the deputy commissioner of SGH, seeking exemplary punishment for the neglect shown by the contractors, as well immediate start to repair work.
The rally was led by the NGOs GSU (SZ), ADE, AYWO, Mothers' Union, FKJGP, Akim Saldora Society and the Baghmara Bazar Committee and involved most concerned residents of the region. The protestors started their march, holding banners, from Rangku Memorial Higher Secondary School to the Deputy Commissioner's Office where a memorandum was submitted to be handed over to chief minister, Conrad K Sangma.
Earlier, the MLA of Rongara – Siju had met the PWD minister, Prestone Tynsong and sought immediate start of repair work despite which the contractors refused to budge from their sleeps – leaving more than 4 lakh people – who use the road on a daily basis – seeking some form of respite.
"We have been suffering due to the negligence shown by the contractors and they need to be punished for not fulfilling the work given to them. NH -62 has been a life killer only due to their negligence," said a resident who was a part of the rally today.
Meanwhile in another development, the superintendent of police of SGH, Abraham T Sangma, said the case has been endorsed to a senior inspector and inquiry into the matter has started.
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