Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui inspected the damaged portion of the NH – 6 at Lum Shnong in East Jaintia Hills on Sunday in the presence of district administration officials, PWD Engineers, and NHAI officials.
Multiple landslides in the Lum Shnong area have interrupted road communication between Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and three neighbouring states of Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura over the previous three days.
An alternative route has been identified via Star Cement Premises in Lum Shnong, which has been open only for light motor vehicles. During his visit to the impacted area, the Chief Minister spoke with stranded truck drivers and told them that the administration will provide all necessary assistance.
The Chief Minister stated that attempts are being made to reopen the road link within the next 48 to 72 hours, but that this is dependent on weather conditions. He explained that the restoration work has been impeded by constant rain but that the administration is striving to ensure that road communication is restored.
“All efforts are being made to restore the entire damaged portion of the road to ensure accessibility. However, there is a huge challenge, as rain is not stopping. As the rain recedes and the flow of the water is diverted, the affected area can be restored,” the Chief Minister said.
Waters from the hills have been pouring through the road near Lum Shnong, damaging the NH-6 and impeding rehabilitation efforts. The work is underway currently to divert the flow of the water.
According to him, efforts will be made to ensure that light motor vehicles can use this road over the next 24 hours. If the rain stops within the next 48 to 72 hours, movement of critical vehicles may begin, subject to weather conditions.