MEGHALAYA GOVERNMENT CONCEDES TO LAND OWNERS

Meghalaya government today conceded to the demand of the landowners and NGOs to have the four-lane road avoid Umsning village in Ri-Bhoi district after more than two years of tussle between the government and the landowners.
Based on the report of the Committee of the government, the cabinet today approved the construction of a four-lane through the road bye-passing Umsning town, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters.
He said, the decision was made after taking into consideration the immense hardship faced by the people because of traffic congestion. According to the Chief Minister, the 4.17 km long existing road will also be improved.

According to official records, the detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared and finalized by the NHAI in 2003 in line with the request of the Umsning Town Dorbar to bye-pass the village.
Hence, the Umsning bye-pass, which covers an approximate distance of 5.21 km from Lad Mawrong to Umtrew bridge, was proposed as an alternative route.
Besides delaying the project, the tussle on a 5 kilometer length of road had led to bandh calls and agitation of NGOs and landowners forcing the state government to form a committee to conduct a detailed study.
Out of six dorbars (traditional bodies), three (Patarim, Lumroman and Law Mawlong) were in favour of constructing the road through the existing road while three other dorbars (Umtriew, Syadrit and Lumnongrin) were against the decision and supported that the 4 laning be constructed through Umsning bye-pass.

http://www.ndnewsexpress.com/2012/01/15/meghalaya-government-concedes-to-land-owners-18866