NONGPOH: What was meant to be a long-awaited milestone for the people of the Nongpoh–Umden region has instead sparked outrage and disbelief. The much-hyped Nongpoh–Umden–Sonapur road project has come under intense scrutiny after residents discovered that the newly laid bitumen is so poorly executed it can be peeled off by hand.
For local residents, the revelations cut deep. The road was the result of years of agitation and sacrifice. Bindas Syiem, a prominent local leader who had earlier staged a hunger strike demanding proper road connectivity, expressed anger and disappointment at what she described as a complete betrayal of public trust.
“This is not an isolated stretch,” Bindas said. “Across several areas, the work is shockingly substandard. Contractors have simply poured bitumen over the old, dirty road without even cleaning the surface.”
According to her, the failure to properly prepare the base has resulted in the coal tar not adhering to the surface, making the road dangerously fragile—so much so that it can be lifted with bare hands.
During a heated confrontation at the site, the project manager initially attempted to justify the damage, blaming water drainage from nearby houses and mechanical issues with construction equipment.
However, when questioned as to why work continued despite faulty machinery, the manager reportedly admitted that the project was being rushed merely to complete it quickly. He subsequently issued an apology and assured that the damaged portions would be repaired immediately.
The controversy gained momentum after videos showing the “paper-thin” road surface went viral on social media, prompting an urgent inspection by Nongpoh MLA Mayraldborn Syiem.
Visibly dissatisfied after witnessing the condition of the road firsthand, the MLA issued a stern warning to both the Public Works Department (PWD) and the contractors involved.
He directed that the road must be completely redone in strict adherence to safety and quality standards; the PWD must closely monitor every stage of the rework.
The MLA urged citizens to remain patient but resolute, stressing that the road must be built to last for years—not fall apart in days.
“We will not forgive such negligence,” the MLA stated. “This road must be as strong as the people’s demand for it.”
As anger continues to simmer in the Nongpoh–Umden belt, the incident has once again raised serious questions about contractor accountability, quality control, and oversight in public infrastructure projects.
