‘Haphazard pipelines, overloaded vehicles’ among reasons for NH-6 damage
Ministry replies to JNC letter on dilapidated condition of roads
Shillong, Oct 12: Haphazard pipelines and overloaded vehicles carrying quarry materials are among the reasons affecting stretches of NH6 in Jaintia Hills, the National Highway Authority of India has said in its reply to a complaint.
The Jaintia National Council (JNC) had filed a complaint with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the dilapidated condition of NH6 in Khliehriat and the stretch connecting Jowai and Ratacherra.
In its reply on October 11, the ministry said the road was damaged due to various issues, such as car wash outlets, haphazard pipelines, overloading vehicles carrying quarry material and construction of a village road without the proper drainage system.
The ministry also said the land level had been raised above the road level during the construction of houses without providing a proper drainage system. Also, from Khliehriat village to Ratacherra village, several unauthorised access and earth cutting/filling/mining in private properties have taken place leading to the damage of the main carriageway.
Another reason for the damage was heavy rainfall and landslides last year. This year too, the rains led to land slips which damaged the highway, especially the stretch between Sonapur and Ratacherra.
“Moreover, patchworks have been done continuously by WMM/granular material even during rains. As you are aware bituminous works are not feasible in continuous rain, the bituminous works will commence as soon as the weather conditions are favourable and availability on (sic) dry spell weather, “ the ministry replied.
However, NHAI has successfully mobilised a new contractor, M/s SL Infra, from September 29, 2023, to repair the stretch between Sonapur and Ratacherra, besides the existing contractor M/s M R Construction engaged in repair work from Jowai to Sonapur.
“Proposal for strengthening and rehabilitating the entire Jowai to Ratacherra stretch, covering a total distance of 102.255 km, is currently under consideration. We are in the advanced stages of seeking approval for this vital project, which is necessary for the long-term durability and safety of the Jowai-Ratacherra NH 06 roadway, “ said the ministry.
JNC information secretary Mebanteilang Sukhlain said the council will follow up with the state departments concerned. He also expressed gratitude to East Jaintia Hills DC Abhilash Baranwal for taking up the issue with NHAI officials.
