SHILLONG, JUN 9: Cabinet Minister and Amlarem legislator Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday said the ongoing Shillong-Dawki road project has affected tourist movement and livelihoods in Dawki and Mawlynnong, but stressed that the work is crucial for long-term growth.
Rymbui, while speaking on the impact of construction on tourism, said infrastructure remains the foundation for any tourism push.
“Meghalaya is blessed with natural beauty which we are having, but having said that, the Government of Meghalaya and Government of India recognize the importance of tourism. But we cannot develop tourism without road communication, telecommunication and other basic facilities,” he stated.
The minister thanked the Centre for financing the Shillong-Tamabil Road and noted that work on the stretch is progressing well.
“So, we are very thankful to the Government of India for having financed the Shillong-Tamabil Road, the construction of which is going on. And yes, as of now the tourist inflow through the area is affected, the livelihood of the people is affected, but something is that we need to be patient,” he said.
He added that patience was necessary as the unstable soil in the area makes construction risky during rains.
“Patience in the sense that now I have seen that the work is progressing very well, and I hope that in a very short time the executing parties or the contractor will be able to complete the job. But as of now, it affects Dawki, Mawlynnong and those areas, it affects the livelihood of the people. But as I said, due to the ongoing construction, and as you know that the soil in that area is not stable, and whenever there is even very small rain, landslides are always there. So, precaution is needed because we cannot deny the fact that human life has also been lost during the ongoing construction,” Rymbui said.
Calling for safety and speed, he said, “So, it is the duty of the sub-divisional magistrate to see that all precautionary measures should be taken, and it is the duty of the government also to see that the construction should be completed as early as possible.”
