Shillong: Torrential monsoon rains have triggered severe damage to the Shillong-Dawki Road in Meghalaya, forcing authorities to shut down the route indefinitely. A major section of the road near Laitlyngkot washed away on Sunday morning, cutting off connectivity to the southern slopes of the East Khasi Hills district.
Local residents have linked the collapse to construction activity, alleging that a joint venture between YFC Projects Pvt. Ltd. and ACE Construction blocked a natural stream with debris. This obstruction reportedly forced water to overflow, causing the embankment to erode. The ongoing project has drawn intense scrutiny following a series of recent landslides and accidents along the Laitlyngkot-Lyngkyrdem stretch.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal ordered the immediate closure of the road to ensure public safety. He has directed commuters to use alternative routes through Sohra or Jowai and advised residents to remain vigilant. Baranwal emphasized the need for caution, stating: "Baranwal urged people to follow instructions from police and NHIDCL officials, plan journeys in advance, and stay alert to IMD weather warnings."
The region continues to face extreme monsoon activity, with Mawsynram recording 526.4 mm of rain over the last 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department maintains a red alert for the East Khasi Hills and expects heavy rainfall to persist across the state in the coming days.
Comments