SHILLONG, APR 27: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has expressed concern over the recent rockslide incident that killed two persons, but said he is satisfied with measures taken by the government to speed up completion of the Shillong-Dawki road project.

“The SDO of Pynursla had already issued time and again prohibition and restrictions and whatever happened it is very unfortunate,” Rymbui, who is also the UDP legislator from Amlarem, said on Monday.

He noted that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. “I am very happy that the government has asked the SDO to inquire into those incidents,” he said.

Referring to mitigation work on the highway, the minister said, “Recently I have seen also the agency which implement this highway especially Shillong-Dawki have taken steps to see whatever foreseeable things which may happen, that is why they have dismantled those hillocks at Mawlieh.”

“We hope with better coordination between the district administration and implementing agency should be there to manage this crisis which you are talking about,” he added.

When asked, Rymbui said, “I am not satisfied because human lives have been lost but I am satisfied with the steps taken by the government to see that the road is completed and more importantly to see that no disaster happened.”

“Since disaster struck I am very sad to see those types of incidents happened,” he said.

He urged caution in future projects.

“Let us hope all implementing agencies and the government should also take note that these types of things should not happen while implementing any other projects in the state of Meghalaya,” Rymbui added.