Umling entry-point set to be operational by Dec 15: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 7, 2020

The much-awaited entry-point at Umling, Ri Bhoi district, where the check gate for COVID-19 will be shifted, is all set to be made operationalized by December 15, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed on Wednesday.

Tynsong told media persons that the state government has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for construction of prefab structure for the entry-point as well as the check gate for registration and screening of COVID-19.

He said the government has decided to de-sanction the previous administrative approval amounting to Rs 15,92,81,000 and replaced it with a new sanction as there was an urgency to complete the entry point at Umling.

“The situation is a matter of urgency therefore, we have decided to shift to prefab structure so that the entry point at Umling is completed at the earliest as we are going to operationalize both entry-point and COVID checkpoint from the same place,” Tynsong said.

At present, the check gate for COVID-19 is located at Byrnihat. The entry-exit points on the other hand are mandated under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, which seeks to address influx related issues.

Asked if the government is planning to set up similar prefab structures in the other locations identified for setting up of entry-exit points, the deputy chief minister however said that he cannot say right now as the matter related to a technical issue.

“I am not a technical man. Therefore, I cannot say whether we will go for prefab structure in all proposed entry-exit points, as we don’t know yet how long it will last. Whether prefab structure or permanent structure, the government wants to ensure that it will last for many years so that unnecessary expenditures is avoided,” he said.