Shillong, September 13: Meghalaya government is actively trying to find an alternative route bypassing the Umiam dam for vehicles to reach the state capital.
Minister in-charge Power AT Mondal said on Thursday the alternative road route is being identified as there are growing concerns over the safety of the Umiam dam.
“We have already requested the Chief Minister (Conrad Sangma) and the Deputy Chief Minister (Sniawbhalang Dhar) that we should have an alternative route as soon as possible. Work is ongoing to ensure that an alternative route is identified so that people and commuters do not suffer”, Mondal said during a press briefing.
He said that the government would not allow heavy vehicles (over 4 metric ton) to cross over the bridge. He said that the restrictions have been put with consultations with experts so that the safety of the dam is not compromised.
“As of now, there is no question of allowing big vehicles. And why should we put a barrier on top? People criticize us for various reasons, but our primary concern is the safety of the dam, not just the bridge” he said, adding the government is just following instructions of IIT Guwahati regarding the safety of the dam.
Stating that the Umiam dam is one of the most important hydel projects of the state therefore ensuring its safety is of paramount importance. He said that this dam allows the state power department to generate 176 megawatts of power.
“If any untoward incident happens, where will we stand? Our priority is to ensure the dam’s safety, and we are strictly following the recommendations of IIT Guwahati” Mondal said.
He said there are still some minor works pending on the dam’s repair and this is being done without affecting the flow of traffic. “We are currently working on grouting the gallery portion”, he said.
Read: Hidden in Elephant Dung: Rare Beetle Species Found in Meghalaya’s Forests
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