Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Jul 2: The All Kebi Area Students, Youths, Development and Welfare Organization (AKASYDWO) on Thursday alleged that the flood-affected Kebi area in Keyi Panyor district has been neglected by the district administration, the local MLA and Panchayat leaders in the aftermath of the recent flash floods.
Addressing a press conference here, AKASYDWO chairman Taba Penka said that while the June 24 flash floods severely affected Poosa and the NEEPCO colony, the Kebi area also suffered extensive damage, particularly along the 28-km Pitapool–Khunglo (Pith) road, which remains cut off from the rest of the district.
Penka alleged that the district administration, the local MLA and the concerned departments concentrated their restoration efforts on the Poosa and NEEPCO colony areas while overlooking Kebi, hurting the sentiments of the local residents.
He said AKASYDWO, with the support of volunteers and well-wishers, undertook the construction of an alternative route connecting Kebi through the Toru area in Papum Pare district. According to him, the temporary route was completed and made operational on June 28 through voluntary efforts.
Penka further claimed that officials from the Public Works Department attempted to stop the voluntary road construction despite being informed in advance about the area's condition. Questioning the intervention, he said the organisation had expected support from the authorities rather than obstruction during the relief effort.
The organisation urged the authorities to immediately restore the Pitapool–Khunglo (Pith) road and ensure safe, reliable, all-weather connectivity for the people dependent on the route. It also appealed to the district administration and the local MLA to give equal attention to Kebi during the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.