Shillong, April 21:The HYC has moved a petition in the High Court of Meghalaya in the form of a letter seeking its intervention following several accidents on the Shillong-Pynursla road.
Two people died due to a rockslide in Pynursla on April 21.
The rescue team has identified the victims who were trapped in Mawlieh, Pynursla, East Khasi Hills after boulders fell on the vehicle in which they were travelling on Monday evening.
According to officials, the victims have been identified as Wanbor Nianglang (40), husband of Fausta Thabah, a resident of Pynursla, and the driver of the vehicle, Nangteibor Khongthohrem (46), who is originally from Amlarem but residing in Pynursla after marriage with Teibha Khonglam, a resident of Lumwahniai village.
The officials said the incident took place around 5 pm as rocks fell and partially covered the vehicle after the rain.
Restrictions for the movement of vehicles were till 3 pm.
In a statement, the HYC president, Roy Kupar Synrem said the ‘letter petition’ was filed as the road has become increasingly dangerous for commuters due to unsafe construction conditions, including the absence of proper warning signs, barricades, reflective indicators, and poorly managed road diversions in several locations.
According to the HYC, several stretches of the road have become particularly hazardous, resulting in multiple accidents, injuries, and damage to vehicles. The Council expressed concern that more lives could be lost if immediate safety measures are not implemented.
Through the petition, the HYC has urged the court to issue directions to the state government, NHIDCL and the Public Works Department (PWD) to immediately implement adequate safety precautions, conduct a road safety audit, regulate traffic in construction sites, and ensure accountability of the authorities responsible for protecting public safety.
The council stressed that development and infrastructure projects must not be carried out at the cost of human lives, and the safety of the public must remain the highest priority.
The HYC expressed hope that the court will intervene to ensure that necessary safety measures are put in place so that further loss of lives and property can be prevented
