MANGALDAI, Sept 15 - Irked by the snail�s pace of construction work of National Highway-15 bypass on the outskirts of Mangaldai town, a group of six lawyers of Mangaldai Bar led by senior lawyer Jayanta Deka have moved local parliamentarian Dilip Saikia and sought his intervention for completion of the project by March 2021.
Bringing the matter to the notice of MP Saikia on the basis of relevant information collected under the provisions of the RTI Act, the group of lawyers in their petition expressed doubts over completion of the project in the next five to ten years considering the present speed of disposal of the work, which is progressing at a snail�s pace.
Justifying their apprehension, they stated that PWD Chief Engineer (NH Division) issued work order to Allianz Engineers of Chandmari, Guwahati on June 10, 2016 and till date survey of land assessment and electrical shifting work is in progress.
It petitioners observed that if the pace of survey is not accelerated, it will take another three years for its completion. Moreover, from the RTI reply, it transpired that the department has not yet prepared a detailed project report (DPR).
The petitioners pointed out how the nearly 12 km stretch of NH-15 passing through the busy Mangaldai town has been causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to the pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren, women and senior citizens.
Early construction of the bypass happens to be a longtime demand of the people of Mangaldai. The petitioners therefore urged the MP to take the initiative so as to ensure completion of the survey work during 90 days, preparation of DPR in 90 days, and clearance of the DPR by April 2020, so that the project could be finally completed before April 2021.
According to the official report, the government has been planning to construct a bypass of Mangaldai town starting at Boinaojhapara village west of Aulachowka Chariali and ending at village Khataniapara west of Dhula Chariali.
Meanwhile, talking to The Assam Tribune, a responsible officer of PWD�s NH Rangiya Division on promise of anonymity admitted the delay in progress of work due to their engagement in the NRC process. He assured to expedite the process of survey work as they are now free from NRC engagements.
