Shillong, Sept 17: UDP legislator from Ranikor, Pius Marweiñ on Monday asked the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to grant a no objection certificate (NOC) for the construction of the Wahkaji-Phlangdiloiñ-Ranikor road in South West Khasi Hills district.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highway (MRTH) had sanctioned a number of road projects which include the 68 km Nongstoiñ-Mawthabah road and 30km Wahkaji-Phlangdiloiñ-Ranikor road under SARDP-NE.
However construction of the two projects have been delayed due to non-issuing of NOC by the KHADC in view of the strong opposition from the anti-uranium groups.
After a meeting with the KHADC chief executive member (CEM) HS Shylla on Monday, Marweiñ told reporters that he has decided to request for the NOC after taking into the consideration that the road will no longer be connected to the uranium-rich village (Mawthabah).
“The construction would only be from Wahkaji to Phlangdiloiñ and Ranikor. Therefore I have requested the CEM to intervene and consider granting the NOC for the road projects,†he said.
Stating that poor road connectivity is one of the major challenges in Ranikor constituency, Marweiñ said, “At present, people have to travel for 6 to 7 hours through Mawkyrwat to Ranikor but the time taken would be reduced if this road is constructed.â€
The Ranikor MLA informed that the CEM has assured that his Executive Committee would examine the matter before taking any decision whether to issue the NOC or not.