SHILLONG : Meghalaya Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has urged the Assam and Meghalaya governments to work together to resolve the chronic waterlogging at Jorabat-Khanapara, saying the problem is primarily a man-made structural issue caused by blocked culverts and inadequate drainage.
Sangma inspected the affected stretch on Sunday and said the highway has effectively turned into a drain due to blocked culvert exits. He said the situation poses a serious risk to commuters and can also obstruct ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
According to Sangma, agencies including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and PWD have a responsibility to ensure road safety and maintain access for emergency services, including the crucial “golden hour” for accident victims.
However, he alleged that proper compliance with road safety requirements is lacking in the Jorabat-Khanapara stretch.
Sangma also called on Assam and Meghalaya to stop the blame game and jointly address the problem instead of attributing the waterlogging primarily to hill cutting in Meghalaya.
He pointed out that the Jorabat-Khanapara stretch serves as an important gateway to Guwahati and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, making its proper maintenance particularly important.
“It is a shame that they don’t look at this area of concern,” Sangma said, stressing the need for coordinated action to address the recurring waterlogging and improve safety for commuters.