Shillong, April 22: A pressure group filed a letter petition before the Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday, seeking urgent intervention over what it called “increasingly dangerous” conditions along the Shillong–Pynursla–Dawki Road amid ongoing widening and construction works.
In a statement, The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) president Roy Kupar Synrem said the council had sought directions to the State government, NHIDCL and the Public Works Department (PWD) to immediately implement adequate safety precautions, conduct a road safety audit, regulate traffic in construction zones, and ensure accountability of authorities responsible for protecting public safety.
“The road has become increasingly dangerous for commuters due to unsafe construction conditions, including the absence of proper warning signs, barricades, reflective indicators, and poorly managed road diversions at several locations,” he said.
The council claimed that several stretches of the road have become particularly hazardous, resulting in multiple accidents, injuries, and damage to vehicles.
It expressed serious concern that more lives could be lost if immediate safety measures are not implemented.
“Development and infrastructure projects must not be carried out at the cost of human lives, and the safety of the public must remain the highest priority,” Synrem said.
“(We) expressed hope that the High Court will intervene to ensure that necessary safety measures are put in place so that further tragic loss of lives and property can be prevented,” he added.
