Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 19
Following the protest by nearby residents at the railway track here on Saturday, railway authorities assured to take measures to clean the drain underneath the rail track by Monday. The railway authorities had requested for two days to clear the drain since the machinery put in place for working on the drain broke down and the process of bringing in new machinery was underway.
In protest against the negligence shown by railway authorities in clearing the drain underneath rail track, residents of Railway Bazaar, Chatteswari, Westyard and Manipuri colonies had blocked the railway track on Saturday.
The neglected drain for several decades has caused complete blockage of the drain leading to flooding of homes in the vicinity. Several cases of water borne disease have already been reported in the area owing to seepage of sewage into more than 250 households.
The railroad blockade started around 9 am causing Jan Shatabdi train to halt at Diphu station. The protestors dispersed at around 12:30 pm after NIDC Ltd Chairman, Tovihoto Ayemi intervened and discussed the issue with the railway authorities in the presence of district administration, police, DMC and the protestors.
Tovihoto urged the railways not to take the issue lightly since the drain problem has been a reality for numerous years. “This is a total negligence by the railways and it is very unbecoming,” he told the railway officials present. Tovihoto, who represents 1 Dimapur I constituency under which the affected area falls, said at the current rate of negligence by the railways, it would be difficult to control any action of the public. He urged the railways to immediately process alternatives to complete the drain clearing exercise and added that the public should not see similar negligence in any manner.
The protestors dispersed after the local MLA conveyed them the assurance of the railways and requested them to give time to the authorities to clear the blocked drain.
Secretary of Ward no 7 Welfare Committee, Prof (retd) Sukumar Sen also urged the railways not to cite any more excuses in clearing the drain as the public were getting restless owing to its apathy.
