Infrastructure for entry-exit points will take time: Meghalaya CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 4, 2020

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the entry-exit points to regulate entry of people into the state are already set up by the government but the infrastructures will take time.

“Technically speaking, entry-exit points are already set up in one way and we are not only registering but we are also keeping the people for three days in the institutional quarantine, we have information about each and every one who is entering the state even before they are entering, and people who have not inform us they cannot enter without giving their details. So technically speaking it is already in motion, the infrastructure is what we have to set up which will take time because of location and complexity,” Sangma told reporters.

A conglomeration of NGOs has recently expressed concern over the delay of the government in setting up the entry-exit points. In their joint memorandum to the CM, they have suggested the government to conduct a pilot project on the matter to regulate entry of outsiders especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked, the Chief Minister said the entry point is proposed to be set up at Umling but checking now is taking place at Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi district for obvious reasons as there is quite a long gap of 15 kms from Byrnihat to Umling.

“Keeping those factors in mind, we have to set it up in Byrnihat but in the long run the entry point will be at Umling and that is where the challenge lies right now,” he added.

Sangma however informed that the government has already started the land development process and also given administrative approval for the construction of the entry point at Umling. The CM said moving to Umling may not be possible right now because of logistic involved in the health aspect as checking has to be done at the border itself.