SHILLONG: A major portion of the Shillong–Dawki national highway has completely washed out on both sides at a section below Laitlyngkot, just before reaching Pomlum.
The destruction occurred during the early hours of June 21 due to heavy, torrential rains that caused a nearby river to swell drastically, overflowing and completely eroding the foundation of the road before triggering a massive landslide into the gorge.
The affected stretch is located along the Laitlyngkot–Lyngkyrdem section, which falls under Package 2 of the Shillong–Tamabil road project.
Local residents have blamed the executing company in charge of the road construction for the disaster. They alleged that the company showed utter negligence by failing to clear the accumulated soil, debris, and boulders that had choked the natural flow of the river just below the Umpareit bridge.
This severe blockage forced the water levels to rise rapidly during the heavy downpour, ultimately diverting the forceful current directly onto the highway, causing it to cave in. Locals further pointed out that this particular area is highly prone to frequent landslides and rockfalls, which have historically led to the loss of human lives and extensive damage to vehicles.
Confirming the incident, the Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem, stated that the continuous heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across the region. However, he highlighted that the most major and severe landslide occurred at Laitmawiong, located just below Laitlyngkot.
Following the severe damage to the highway, the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) of the Pynursla Civil Sub-Division immediately issued a public advisory, officially closing the road to all traffic from today until further notice.
The SDO of Pynursla has earnestly requested all citizens, commuters, and drivers to strictly avoid using this highway and to seek alternative routes for their travel while restoration and repair works are being carried out actively on the damaged stretch.
