Shillong, Oct 21: UDP legislator from Nongpoh Mayralborn Syiem has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road project.
Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, Syiem said the first phase of the 20-kilometer state-funded project is progressing satisfactorily, with completion expected by January-February 2026.
He informed that the second phase of the road, which falls under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and spans 38 kilometers, is experiencing slow progress.
However, Syiem has assured that a meeting with the contractor has been scheduled to expedite the work once the monsoon season ends.
Syiem has also emphasized the importance of road safety, appealing to drivers to adhere to speed limits and follow traffic rules.
“I would like to emphasize the importance of road safety for commuters using this route. While a good road can be exhilarating to drive on, it’s crucial to exercise caution. I urge drivers of private vehicles, transport vehicles, and taxis to adhere to the prescribed speed limits. Additionally, I appeal to two-wheeler riders to always wear helmets for their safety and the safety of their passengers. Let’s prioritize responsible driving and ensure a safe journey for all,” he added.
Umden block creation
Meanwhile, a delegation of the Nongtluh Mathan Maramian Development Forum (NMMDF) led by Syiem sought the intervention of the deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong for expediting the creation of a new community & rural development (C&RD) block at Umden in Ri Bhoi district.
“We earnestly seek your excellency’s visionary stewardship to endorse and expedite the creation of the Umden C&RD Block, thereby transforming a long-standing aspiration of our people into a lasting legacy of progress for the generations to come,” NMMDF said in a memorandum handed to Tynsong during the meeting held in his office chamber on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Nongpoh MLA highlighted the challenges faced by the community due to the vast scale of the Umling Block, which encompasses approximately 224 villages, making it difficult for village leaders, self-help groups, and local communities to access essential services and governance.
“The Nongtluh Mathan Marmain area spans over 130 villages, many of which lie more than 80 kilometers from the Umling C&RD Block headquarters necessitating arduous round trips exceeding 160 kilometers,” Syiem said while adding compounding this, nearly 60% of these villages hug the zero line along the border with Kamrup Metro District in Assam, where rugged terrain and cross-border sensitivities exacerbate delays in accessing critical khadar services and administrative support.
To address these challenges, Syiem said the forum has identified and secured an ideal site for the proposed C&RD Block at Umden, donated by the Raid Nongtluh-Umden at no cost.
“Furthermore, comprehensive block-level research conducted in 2022 unequivocally validates the strategic necessity of this new administrative hub to foster sustainable growth,” he stated.
“The creation of a C&RD Block at Umden stands as a transformative step toward streamlining governance, democratizing access to developmental initiatives, and elevating the overall well-being of our rural brethren,” the MLA added further.
Asked, Syiem said that the delegation has received a positive response from the deputy chief minister.
“I am not wrong to say that the commitment given by the government in the past in which it has delivered at the ground, the people have seen the work in reality, I am not wrong to say that this proposal also the government will hear and with the strong endorsement by the deputy chief minister I hope in days to come it will see the light of the day that the creation of the proposed Umden C&RD block will happen in reality,” he stated.
