Shillong: The ongoing rehabilitation work at the Umiam dam is anticipated to extend until July due to necessary modifications required during the repair process. Power Minister AT Mondal revealed this information on Monday, stating that the government has enlisted the technical support of IIT Guwahati for the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
A pivotal decision facing the government was whether to proceed with bituminous work or a concrete surface, for which they sought input from IIT Guwahati. Following their evaluation, IIT Guwahati recommended the adoption of a concrete surface, a suggestion the state government has decided to embrace.
Given the time required for this process, the targeted completion date for the work may slightly shift, now aimed for completion by July. It’s noteworthy that the ongoing rehabilitation work on the dam has been ongoing since December-January, causing traffic congestion on the dam road, inconveniencing commuters.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the public, Mondal emphasiSed that the work is being carried out for the greater benefit of the people. Describing the situation as a crucial moment, the Minister highlighted that the ongoing rehabilitation efforts will extend the dam’s lifespan by another 20 years.
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Moreover, the Public Works Department (PWD) is exploring the possibility of finding an alternative route to ease travel inconveniences. Additionally, the Minister pledged to address the issue of littering along the approach road of the Umiam dam, underscoring the importance of environmental consciousness.
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