Meghalaya

Landslides block NH-6, traffic diverted; NHAI asked to find permanent solution

Massive landslides have blocked National Highway-6, the lifeline of Meghalaya that connects the northeastern state with Assam and rest of the country on one side and with Mizoram on the other side.

Now, the state government has urged National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take up all necessary measures to make sure that communication through NH 6 is restored at the earliest, NPP MLA from Sutnga Saipung, Santa Mary Shylla said.

MLA Santa Mary Shylla said, “At the moment we are trying to repair all the roads, especially in view of the landslides that are happening right now. So many damages have happened in the East Jaintia Hills, in my area- the Sutnga Saipung constituency. Of course the NH-06 has also been badly damaged, which is happening almost every year, for which people have to suffer, they have to wait for long hours for the landslide to be cleared or for the roads to be repaired. The government is taking all measures to do whatever is possible. The government is trying its best to help people.”

She further informed that Deputy CM Prestone Tyngson is monitoring the situation and pursuing the matter with NHAI.

On June 15, Meghalaya Chief Minister had held a meeting to assess the condition of the NH-6 stretch from Lumshnong to Ratachera, frequently affected by landslides and water overflow. He directed the officials to come up with an immediate and permanent solution to divert the water flow.

On June 16 too, the Meghalaya CM reviewed the situation along the NH-06.

In a post on X, the Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) had mentioned, “HCM @SangmaConrad assessed the situation following the incessant rains, which have led to landslides in various parts of East Jaintia Hills, damaging portion of roads along the NH- 6. All vehicles movement has been stopped till the water flow reduces.”

https://x.com/CMO_Meghalaya/status/1802261376263495834

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Government has released data about extent of damages caused by heavy rainfall subsequently leading to floods and landslides.

As such, 3,037 people have been affected in 42 villages since June 10. Two lives have been lost and 18 houses have been damaged so far.

Purbasha Bhattacharjee