Committee to look into road project

SHILLONG, APR 7: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday decided to constitute a committee to look into the issue related to the construction of two-lane road project from Nongstoin-Mawthabah in West Khasi Hills region.

The decision was taken as there are groups who are ‘for’ and ‘against’ the project.

While one group comprising mostly of NGOs have demanded the KHADC not to issue any NOC for   project alleging that ‘it is for facilitating uranium mining’, the other group are praying for the NOC in the name of development.

“The PDF in its meeting unanimously decided to constitute a committee to look into the matter before taking a final call,” KHADC chief PN Syiem told reporters after a meeting with a delegation of the HYC.

The committee would comprise of MDCs and officials of the KHADC and experts as members, to examine the concerns expressed by the groups which are for and against the project.

“The committee is also tasked with the responsibility to take views and opinions of all concerns since the matter is also connected with uranium mining,” Syiem said while informing that council is yet to appoint a chairman of the committee.

Earlier after meeting the KHADC CEM, the leaders of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) have demanded the KHADC to refrain from issuing NOC for construction of the two-lane road project.

“We oppose the move of the government to construct the two-lane project in the region and the advice not to issue any NOC,” HYC president Peter Lawai said.

He said as per RTI, it was found out that the notification issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highway (MoRTH) clearly states – “The construction of the road is to facilitate transportation of uranium from the area.”

Lawai has also suggested the KHADC to seek clarification from the MoRTH on the objective of the project before taking a decision to grant the NOC for the construction.

When asked, the KHADC CEM assured that the committee’s term and reference will include to find out whether the road is to facilitate uranium mining.

Earlier, HYC general secretary Robertjune Kharjahrin said that the road as reflected in the notification of the ministry is clear that it is not for the benefit of the people but for outsiders who will come to mine uranium in the area.

However, the headmen from several villages falling under West and South West Khasi Hills region have urged the district council to issue NOC for construction of the road citing development is more important to them at the moment.

On this, Kharjahrin urged the headmen to find out what the fact about the project otherwise they will only regret later because after construction of road, the people will be relocated as mining of uranium cannot be done in residential area.

On the other hand, the HYC while maintaining that it is not against development said that the MoRTH has to review its notification and ensure free and fair development to the area.

If the MoRTH does away with the objective to facilitate uranium mining, the project may have a smooth sailing, Lawai said while reiterating the HYC stand is to oppose mining of the mineral from the area.- By Our Reporter