Northeast Desk, 15th November: Prestone Tynsong, the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and in-charge of the Public Works Department (PWD), announced on Tuesday that the Chief Engineer (National Highways) has been instructed to investigate allegations surrounding the implementation of the Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai road project by the Dhar construction company.
Addressing the press, Tynsong emphasized that any negligence in executing projects, whether related to roads or other state initiatives in Meghalaya, is deemed unacceptable. He clarified that the concerned road segment falls under the supervision of the RO Station in Guwahati, which is part of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
On November 4, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising traditional headmen of War Jaintia Hills and the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), declared their intention to file a petition in the Meghalaya High Court. The petition targets alleged corruption in the construction of Dawki-Amlarem-Jowai (NH 40E) (New NH 206), a project sanctioned by the Centre for Rs 43 crore.
Tynsong stated that decisions regarding blacklisting would be made once the investigative process begins. He emphasized that the matter is directly linked to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), being the sole controlling authority for this project, and not the state government.