SHILLONG, APR 27: Calling the recent rockslide deaths “very unfortunate,” Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said he is satisfied with the government’s efforts to expedite the Shillong-Dawki road project and prevent further disasters.
“The SDO of Pynursla had already issued time and again prohibition and restrictions and whatever happened it is very unfortunate,” said Rymbui, who is also the UDP legislator from Amlarem.
He welcomed the probe ordered into the incident that killed two persons.
“I am very happy that the government has asked the SDO to inquire into those incidents,” he said.
The minister pointed to recent safety measures taken by the implementing agency.
“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,” he said.
He stressed the need for closer coordination on the ground.
“We hope with better coordination between the district administration and implementing agency should be there to manage this crisis which you are talking about,” Rymbui added.
On whether the response was adequate, he drew a distinction between the loss of life and the government’s subsequent action.
“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,” he said.
“Since disaster struck I am very sad to see those types of incidents happened,” Rymbui said.
He cautioned that lessons must be applied statewide. “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,” he said.
By Our Reporter
