A partial stretch of the Wokha-Bokajan road.
Morung Express News
Wokha | August 30
People and village authorities from 12 villages along the Wokha-Bokajan road have welcomed the State Cabinet's decision to take up the road as a National Highway.
The villagers expressed appreciation to the State Cabinet, particularly Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Roads and Bridges Minister G Kaito Aye, for the decision.
The villages include Longsa, Ekoktchu, Pongidong, Tsungza, Khumtsu, Meriyan, L Yanthung, Totsu, Hanku, Phiro, Shaki and Sankiton.
The villagers said the Wokha-Bokajan road was an important route for communities along the stretch and served as a vital link to the foothill areas and Dimapur. Its proposed upgradation as a National Highway, they said, would benefit not only the Lotha community but also people from neighbouring districts by providing a shorter and more convenient route.
They said improved connectivity would bring developmental and economic benefits to the region, particularly the farming community, as agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood for many people in the area.
According to the villagers, better road connectivity would enable farmers to transport agricultural produce more easily and provide improved access to markets.
The village representatives also acknowledged the efforts of the four Lotha legislators in pursuing the matter with the Centre, including through meetings with the Union minister, to seek approval for the declaration of the Wokha-Bokajan road and the Wokha-Merapani NEC road as National Highways.
Meanwhile, the people and village authorities appreciated the recent restoration and clearing works carried out along the Wokha-Bokajan road, which had remained largely inaccessible to vehicles due to its deteriorated condition.
According to the chairmen of 12 villages, the road had remained in poor condition for a long period, causing transportation difficulties and restricting vehicular movement.
Following an initiative by MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, three JCBs were deployed along the approximately 40-45 km stretch from Wokha to Hanku village for over a month to undertake clearing and road-dressing works.
With completion of the works, the villagers said the road had become accessible to vehicles, easing transportation and movement for people living along the stretch.
The village representatives appreciated the road restoration efforts, saying the improvement had brought much-needed relief to residents, particularly those dependent on the route for transporting goods and agricultural produce.
The villagers expressed hope that the proposed National Highway status and continued improvement of the road would further strengthen connectivity, promote economic activities and contribute to the overall development of the region.
