SHILLONG:
Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Wednesday, said that the ongoing rehabilitation works of Umiam Stage-I dam are expected to be completed before the onset of the monsoon. He recently inspected the dam and assessed critical works such as drilling and grouting under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
“We are expecting and trying our level best to see that it is completed within or before the monsoon,” Mondal informed reporters. Holes are being drilled to assess the concrete condition and seepage extent. High-quality concrete will be used to seal pores causing seepages after the drilling process.
Mondal also noted that the movement of vehicles will be halted when the bridge is lifted for bearing replacement. He urged commuters to take alternative routes during this period and assured that emergency services and light vehicles would be allowed after the bridge is lifted.
Regarding the project schedule, Mondal stated, “We are targeting that this work should go simultaneously, and we told them to give us the schedule preferably in the first quarter or 15 days of February.”
He requested commuters to avoid overtaking and follow traffic rules to prevent unnecessary traffic jams during the project. Additionally, Mondal informed that the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is exploring an alternative route to avoid using the Umiam bridge.
Despite proposals for a new route either upstream or downstream of the dam being rejected by the Geological Survey of India, Mondal assured that efforts are underway to identify a viable alternative route for construction. Concerning an old bridge near Umiam, he mentioned that the bridge has been abandoned for a long time and is considered non-motorable.