Shillong, Sept 29: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has inspected the landslide-affected area at Laitlyngkot, expressing concern over the unprecedented magnitude of the landslide.
The incident has disrupted traffic movement on the crucial Shillong-Dawki road.
After the inspection, Tynsong noted that this is the first time a landslide of such magnitude has occurred in the area.
“Upon inspection, I observed that the anticipated excavation work from the hill top hadn’t begun. Notably, the landslide occurred at the hill top and has persisted over the past 48 hours,” he said while adding “With the reduction in rainfall, we are optimistic about managing traffic flow. Nevertheless, we strongly advise travellers using this road to exercise caution and avoid nighttime travel for their safety.”
Informing that the excavation work has commenced, Tynsong said, “We plan to implement nighttime work shifts starting next month, from 6 pm to 6 am. This extended window will enable the team to safely clear debris after blasting. Given the time constraints, a four-hour road closure would be insufficient, as the blasting and debris clearance process would coincide with the scheduled reopening time.”
“To address this, we will soon convene a meeting with NHIDCL officials and the district administration to discuss the feasibility of nighttime work, which would provide the construction team with a 12-hour window to work on the road,” he added.
Tynsong expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, particularly in packages II, IV, and V of the Shillong-Dawki road project. The targeted completion date for the road project is December 2026.
“I am confident that the project will be completed within the stipulated timeline. Notably, during our recent meeting, NHIDCL and the construction company have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project by 2026, which is expected to greatly benefit the region’s residents,” he said.
According to him, the completion of the road is expected to boost tourism in Pynursla and Dawki areas, benefiting the local economy.
Meanwhile, Tynsong also apologized for the inconvenience caused to the people, who have to take a detour via Sohra resulting in increased traveling expenses.
“While the construction process may cause temporary disruptions, it is an essential investment in our infrastructure. I urge the people of Pynursla to bear with us during this period and I assure them that the completed road will significantly enhance their travel experience and open up new opportunities for the region,” he stated.
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