Shillong, April 21: The Meghalaya government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the fatal rockslide near Mawlieh that claimed two lives, while also directing the temporary closure of a key stretch of National Highway-260 for safety reasons.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong termed the incident “very sad,” confirming that a massive boulder fell on a pick-up vehicle, killing two persons on the spot. The deceased have been identified as Wanbor Nianglang (40) from Pynursla and Nangteibor Khongthohrem (46) from Lumwahniai village.
Tynsong said immediate instructions were issued to the district administration, police, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy. “I have directed the SDO Civil, police team under the SDPO Pynursla, NHIDCL, and the executing company to thoroughly examine the incident and submit findings,” he said.
A joint inspection involving officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), district administration, and other stakeholders was conducted on Tuesday. Following the assessment, authorities decided to temporarily close the affected stretch of road for two to three days to address safety concerns.
Appealing for public cooperation, Tynsong urged residents, particularly from the Pynursla area, to bear with the inconvenience while authorities work to secure the unsafe հատված. On long-term measures, he indicated that additional land acquisition may be required to mitigate recurring landslide risks in the area.
Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Pynursla, has ordered the indefinite closure of a 13.45-km stretch of NH-260 from Laitlyngkot to Mawlieh following the April 20 rockslide. According to the official order, the incident occurred at Mawlieh (Ch 35+450 km), rendering the road unsafe for vehicular movement. Authorities cited ongoing adverse weather conditions and excavation activities on the hillside as major risk factors for further rockslides.
The closure will remain in force until a comprehensive safety assessment is completed and the road is declared fit for public use, or until corrective measures are implemented. Officials have been instructed to erect barricades, install warning signage, deploy personnel to regulate traffic, and ensure dissemination of information to the public.
The police department, NHIDCL, contractors, and PWD (Roads) have been directed to strictly enforce the order, with authorities warning that violations will attract legal action.
