Baghmara, May 14: Social activist from South Garo Hills, Greneth M Sangma of Mindikgre, has submitted a consolidated complaint to the Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (Roads), Baghmara Division, alleging serious negligence and maintenance failures in several PMGSY road projects across South Garo Hills, Meghalaya.
The complaint targets the joint venture of M/s M.P. Agarwala Pvt. Ltd. and its associated partners, accusing them of poor execution, incomplete works, and failure to carry out mandatory maintenance obligations under contract provisions.
The complaint highlights recurring issues in several key rural road stretches:
On the Karukol–Nengkong–Emangre–Tolegre Road (T11, PMGSY-II), it is alleged that despite sanctioned funding exceeding ₹17 crore, nearly 970 metres of blacktopping remains incomplete. The complaint also cites missing drainage systems and retaining structures, raising concerns about structural sustainability.
The Nengkong–Upper Dosogre road (L040) has reportedly suffered landslide damage, including erosion of blacktopped surfaces at a 1 km stretch. It also alleges that debris blocking a stream near a causeway remains uncleared even after project completion.
For the Mindikgre–Gara Songgital road (L024), the complaint points to a collapsed slab culvert near the end point of the road, which is said to have disrupted connectivity for residents of nearby villages.
The Emangre–Nokatgre road (L021) is also mentioned, with allegations that although marked complete in 2021, it has not received the mandated five-year routine maintenance required under the Meghalaya Road Maintenance Policy.
Greneth M. Sangma also reported that during a recent journey on the Mindikgre–Nengkong stretch while travelling to attend proceedings at the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in Baghmara, his vehicle became immobilised due to poor road conditions, causing delay and personal hardship.
He further noted that the deteriorating road network is affecting daily commuters, including school children who rely on these routes for safe access to education.
The complaint calls for immediate action including:
Enforcement of mandatory maintenance obligations by the executing agencies
Reconstruction of the collapsed culvert at Mindikgre–Gara Songgital
Clearing of obstructed waterways near Nengkong–Dosogre
Restoration of damaged blacktopped stretches before the monsoon season
Immediate joint inspection of all affected road sections.
The activist has warned that failure to address the issues promptly may lead to legal action in the Consumer Court for alleged deficiency of public service.
No official response from the Public Works Department has been issued so far.
