HT DIGITAL
ITANAGAR, AUGUST 6: The Galo Youth Organisation (GYO) in Arunachal Pradesh has charged the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) with misappropriation of funds and sheer negligence while developing the Likabali-Bam Road, a key stretch of National Highway 13 (NH-13). Against the worsening condition of the road, the youth organisation has submitted a complaint to the police.
NH-13 links Likabali in the Lower Siang district with Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district, going through seven districts. In its complaint filed at the Basar police station in Leparada district, the GYO stated that the road condition is “abysmal” and well below acceptable standards. The organisation reiterated that the road is crucial not just for routine lives of local people but also for national security and tourism activities.
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The GYO also complained that the work quality is well below the specifications of an all-weather double-lane road. Essential components of infrastructure like culverts, breast walls, bridges, retaining walls, drains, and parapet walls were constructed allegedly without following good quality norms and engineering ratios. Further, the NHIDCL has also been charged with not sending adequate staff and equipment to clear road obstructions at the earliest due to frequent landslides. This lapse, it is argued by the GYO, has resulted in undue delays and hardships, mostly for patients in medical emergencies.
Apart from the police complaint, the youth body has also sent a letter to the deputy commissioners of West Siang, Leparada, and Lower Siang districts calling for action. Meanwhile, an FIR has also been registered at the Likabali police station in Lower Siang district against suspected illegal earth-cutting and destruction of the environment at a quarry site in Siji Village.
In response to the charges, Gemar Padu, Assistant Engineer (Highways), PWD, said the civil works of the viaduct have been finished and that they are waiting for a crane for the past two months to fit the girder beam.
Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Rujjum Rakshap confirmed the validity of the GYO’s apprehensions. He indicated the administration is making sustained efforts to arrive at a permanent solution and has already conducted meetings with NHIDCL officials to evaluate the situation. The detailed project report (DPR) for solving the block point at Siji is in its last phases, and re-carpeting of the Likabali-Bam Road will start soon, he stated.
