Itanagar: In a major development concerning infrastructure woes in Arunachal Pradesh, the Galo Youth Organisation (GYO) has formally lodged a police complaint against the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). The youth body alleges blatant misappropriation of funds and gross negligence in the construction of the Likabali-Bam Road, a crucial part of NH-13 that connects seven districts, including Lower Siang and Shi-Yomi. The GYO has highlighted the appalling condition of the road, which it says is not only vital for the everyday lives of locals but also serves a strategic purpose for defence and tourism in the region.
According to the complaint filed at the Basar police station, the GYO has pointed out that the double-lane road fails to meet all-weather standards. The organisation has raised serious concerns about the quality of various construction components, including culverts, breast walls, bridges, retaining walls, drains, and parapet walls, claiming they do not adhere to the required quality standards and ratios. Additionally, the complaint accuses NHIDCL of failing to promptly deploy personnel and machinery to clear the road after landslides, which has led to significant delays and hardships for travellers, including those in need of urgent medical attention. The GYO has also penned letters to the deputy commissioners of West Siang, Leparada, and Lower Siang districts to bring their concerns to the fore.
Amidst these serious allegations, some officials have acknowledged the issues. PWD (Highways) Assistant Engineer Gemar Padu, when contacted, stated that while the civil works for the highway’s viaduct are complete, the project has been stalled for the past two months awaiting a crane to place the girder beam. Separately, the GYO also filed an FIR at the Likabali police station regarding “illegal earth cutting and environmental destruction” at a quarry in Siji Village.
Lower Siang’s Deputy Commissioner Rujjum Rakshap has publicly acknowledged that the GYO’s grievances are “genuine.” He confirmed that the district administration is actively seeking a permanent solution and recently held a meeting with NHIDCL authorities to get an update on the matter. Rakshap added that the detailed project report (DPR) for the Siji block point is nearing its final stage and re-carpeting work on the Likabali-Bam Road is expected to commence soon. Despite the rising controversy and public complaints, NHIDCL officials could not be reached for comment.
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