Shillong, January 6, 2026: The recently installed Integrated Smart Check Gate under the Meghalaya Mineral Truck Scanning and Monitoring System (WIT-SMS) on the route to Looksi and Saphai in West Jaiñtia Hills District has come under public scrutiny, with serious questions being raised about its condition and operational effectiveness.
According to official signage at the site, all mineral-laden trucks are mandated to divert to the check gate for inspection of consignments, verification of mineral transport challans, and weighment. The system further claims that trucks bypassing the check gate would be automatically captured and reported to the concerned authorities for necessary action.
However, a recent media visit revealed that the infrastructure at the site is in a dilapidated and neglected condition, casting doubt on whether the system is functional or capable of serving its intended purpose. The state of disrepair has led members of the public to question whether public funds have been misutilised on a project that shows little evidence of effective implementation.
Local residents and commuters expressed concern that, despite claims of advanced monitoring, there is no visible sign of functional scanning equipment, CCTV surveillance, or effective enforcement mechanisms at the location. This has further fuelled suspicions about the seriousness of mineral transport monitoring in the area.
The situation has raised questions over the functioning and accountability of the concerned department, particularly at a time when illegal mineral transportation continues to remain a major issue in Meghalaya.
Members of the public have demanded clarification from the authorities on several key issues, including:
Whether the Smart Check Gate is fully operational
The amount of public money spent on the project
Responsibility for maintenance and monitoring
The action proposed if the system is found to be non-functional
The episode has once again underscored the need for transparent implementation, regular audits, and strict accountability in infrastructure projects aimed at regulating mineral extraction and transportation in the state.
