Meghalaya CM assures Govt to take steps for safety of Umiam bridge

SHILLONG, MAY 5: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said steps will be taken to ensure safety of the bridge over the Umiam dam.

His statement came a day after the Meghalaya High Court had directed the state to ban vehicles carrying loads of more than 10 metric tons from plying over the Umiam bridge following suggestion that the existing bridge may not be able to bear the present traffic load.

Sangma told reporters that the government will examine the court order and take necessary steps.

“The concerns that the High Court has expressed is also a concern for every citizen and even for the government so definitely we will examine the entire aspect and steps will be taken to ensure that we will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of the dam,” the chief minister assured.

During the hearing on a PIL on Wednesday, the High Court had noted that both the National Highways Authority of India and the Border Roads Organisation agree that the Umiam Bridge now in place should be replaced by a more robust construction that will be able to bear the regular traffic.

The BRO had also indicated in its affidavit that vehicles bearing a total weight in excess of 10 MT should not be allowed on the bridge.

By Our Reporter