Road destroyed for contract

From Our Correspondent

TURA,NOV 28: It is an irony of sorts that a village road in “good condition” has been dismantled by contractors in South West Garo Hills, which has led to public outcry.

Locals say that the connecting road from Kazipara to Kalupara locality in Mahendraganj was pull to pieces to seek fresh contract. They also allege that it was done in cohesion with vested and powerful government officer.

Angry resident has recently filed a complaint with the Director of Border Area Development Organisation (BADO) Shillong and had also sought intervention of the Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills Cyril Diengdoh.

In 2014, the road was construction with funds sanctioned by the office of BADO.

“The road was absolutely already but the contractors with the use of JCBs have demolished it”, said an angry resident.

Locals have complained against contractors — Mustafa Miah of Majherchar – II village, Chandian Miah and Khukon Miah.

The 1 km stretch road is close to international border of Bangladesh. It connects the villages to the BSF border outpost of Kazipara. Locals say that the road was demolished on November 16.  “It was done without having any departmental order or permission”, the locals allege.

“We have raised the question as to how a BADO scheme can be converted into PWD schemes without any approval of BADO itself who have clarified that there was no such order given by them,” said another angry resident.

The sudden destruction of the road has led to tremendous hardship for the villagers.

“How can they take the decision on their own and destroy public property at their own whims and fancies. Now the fully tarred road has become a dust bowl and causing us breathing problems,” said an elderly from the village.

Locals have sought for a probe and immediate action against the contractors for their high handedness.