Shillong, Apr 27: Terming the recent rockslide deaths as “very unfortunate,” Meghalaya Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday said he is satisfied with the government’s efforts to fast-track the Shillong–Dawki road project while strengthening measures to prevent further disasters.

Referring to the incident that claimed two lives, Rymbui noted that precautionary advisories had already been issued by local authorities.

“The SDO of Pynursla had already issued time and again prohibition and restrictions and whatever happened, it is very unfortunate,” he said.

Welcoming the inquiry ordered into the tragedy, the minister expressed confidence in the process.

“I am very happy that the government has asked the SDO to inquire into those incidents,” he added.

Rymbui also pointed to recent safety interventions undertaken by the implementing agency, particularly along vulnerable stretches of the Shillong–Dawki highway.

“Recently I have seen also the agency which implement this highway, especially Shillong–Dawki, have taken steps to see whatever foreseeable things which may happen. That is why they have dismantled those hillocks at Mawlieh,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of coordination, the minister called for closer collaboration between district authorities and executing agencies to effectively manage risks.

“We hope with better coordination between the district administration and implementing agency should be there to manage this crisis,” he said.

On whether the response was adequate, Rymbui drew a clear distinction between the loss of life and the government’s subsequent actions.

“I am not satisfied because human lives have been lost but I am satisfied with the steps taken by the government to see that the road is completed and more importantly to see that no disaster happened,” he stated.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, he urged all agencies to take lessons from the tragedy and ensure stricter safeguards in future infrastructure projects across the state.

“Let us hope all implementing agencies and the government should also take note that these types of things should not happen while implementing any other projects in the state of Meghalaya,” Rymbui said.