SHILLONG, JUN 9: Cabinet Minister and Amlarem legislator Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday acknowledged that tourism and local livelihoods in Dawki and nearby areas have been impacted by the ongoing Shillong-Dawki Road project, but urged patience as construction progresses.
Speaking to reporters, Rymbui said the state and Centre recognize tourism’s importance, but infrastructure comes first.
“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 said.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Centre for funding the Shillong-Tamabil Road, on which work is currently underway. He admitted the construction has affected both tourist arrivals and local incomes.
“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,” Rymbui stated.
“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,” he added.
Rymbui also flagged safety concerns due to unstable soil in the region, noting that even light rain triggers landslides and that lives have been lost during construction. He stressed the need for precautionary measures.
“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,” he said.
The minister said it was the responsibility of the sub-divisional magistrate and the government to ensure safety and expedite completion.
“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,” Rymbui said.
