The Galo Youth Organisation (GYO), a prominent youth body in Arunachal Pradesh, has filed a police complaint against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), accusing it of poor construction quality and alleged misappropriation of funds in the development of the Likabali-Bam stretch of NH-13.The complaint was lodged at the Basar police station in Leparada district and raises serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of the vital highway. This road is not only essential for daily transport but also plays a key role in the region’s defence movement and tourism. According to GYO, the Likabali-Bam Road, which connects seven districts including Lower Siang, Leparada, West Siang, and Shi-Yomi, has failed to meet the double-lane all-weather construction standards promised by the NHIDCL. The organisation alleges that critical components such as culverts, breast walls, bridges, retaining walls, drains, and parapet walls were constructed using substandard materials and improper techniques.
In the complaint, GYO said, “This road is not only a lifeline for civilians but also critical for national security. The negligence in its construction is unacceptable and dangerous.”The youth body also claimed that during landslides and blockages, the NHIDCL has not acted swiftly to deploy manpower and machinery to clear the road, often causing long delays for travelers, including patients in need of urgent medical help.Apart from filing the complaint, the GYO has written letters to the deputy commissioners of Lower Siang, Leparada, and West Siang districts, urging immediate intervention and accountability from the authorities.Adding to the environmental concerns, the organisation also filed a separate FIR at the Likabali police station against illegal earth-cutting activities at a quarry in Siji village, accusing contractors of destroying the fragile ecosystem.
When contacted, Assistant Engineer of PWD (Highways), Gemar Padu, acknowledged that while the viaduct civil works are complete, the project is awaiting a crane for two months to place the girder beam — delaying the overall progress. Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Rujjum Rakshap confirmed receiving the complaints and said that the district administration is actively working on a solution. “We understand the concerns raised by the GYO. A meeting was recently held with NHIDCL officials, and work is being expedited. The DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the Siji block point is nearing completion, and re-carpeting of the Likabali-Bam stretch will commence soon,” Rakshap assured.
