NCHISF expresses concern over sub-standard works on NH-54E in Haflong

A Correspondent

Haflong: The NC Hills Indigenous Students’ Forum (NCHISF) expressed serious concern over the sub-standard works on the Jatinga-Harangajao portion of National Highway 54E and warned to stop the ongoing works immediately.

David Keivom, president of NCHISF, along with several members took stock of the works between Jatinga to Retzuol and found that poor quality work was being done in both blacktopping and side drain construction.

Keivom, while talking to media persons, said that the NCHISF had been demanding a good road at least between Mahur to Harangajao since this portion of NH 54 E had not been completed, resulting in untold sufferings to the people. He said that after repeated pleas, the NHAI had sanctioned an amount of around Rs 54 crore for the maintenance of this portion for two years and engaged a Silchar-based construction company but the company again sub-let the works to other local companies, which was opposed by the NCHISF.

The Regional Officer, NHAI had assured them to constitute a committee comprising members of NCHISF for monitoring the quality of work but to date, no such committee has been formed, said Keivom. He alleged a possible nexus between NHAI officials and the construction company.

The portion from Nriambunglo to Harangajao of National Highway 54 E, popularly known as the East-West corridor, has been in a deplorable condition for at least 15-20 years due to many reasons. People of Dima Hasao went from pillar to post for repair or maintenance of that portion but nothing happened.

After repeated pleas by the people and NGOs, the NHAI finally sanctioned that amount for the maintenance and blacktopping of the said portion of NH 54E but the company engaged for the work allegedly indulged in sub-standard works.

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