SHILLONG: The state government, led by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD Prestone Tynsong, has taken the decisive step to acquire land adjacent to the road at Mawlieh village, located along the Shillong-Pynursla-Dawki Road, to prevent further tragic incidents.
This decision follows a devastating landslide on April 20, which claimed the lives of two individuals after massive boulders collapsed from a hillside and crushed the vehicle they were traveling in.
Expressing his deep condolences to the bereaved families, the Deputy Chief Minister immediately directed the District Administration, the police, the SDPO of Pynursla, the NHIDCL, and the company executing the Package 2 Project to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of the landslide.
Earlier today, an inspection team including the SDPO and BDO visited the site to assess the current road conditions.
Consequently, the government has decided to temporarily close the road for approximately two to three days to mitigate immediate risks and ensure public safety.
Tynsong appealed to the public, particularly those within his constituency, to remain patient and cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that the safety of commuters is the department’s top priority.
He further noted that during an inspection by the NHIDCL, it was discovered that the area is extremely hazardous due to the clay-heavy soil and constant water seepage.
Despite the construction company’s efforts to build retaining walls, the sheer weight and height of the hill have made stabilization efforts difficult.
The Deputy Chief Minister explained that since widening the road further back is no longer a viable option under current circumstances, the government has resolved to purchase the neighboring land to carry out necessary safety reinforcements.
While acknowledging that this land acquisition will impact several houses and schools in the vicinity, he stated that the relevant authorities are moving forward with the process to urgently secure the stretch near Langkyrdem in Mawlieh, which remains a high-risk zone.
