Kohima, August 1 (MExN): The Angami Students' Union (ASU) on August 1 expressed concern over recurring landslips, mudslides and rockfalls along key road corridors within its jurisdiction during the monsoon season, urging the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and executing agencies to adopt proactive measures to ensure commuter safety.
In a statement, the union said the affected highway stretches are vital lifelines for local communities, facilitating daily commerce and serving as the principal transit routes for thousands of students travelling to educational institutions.
It said the deteriorating condition of these roads poses a persistent risk of complete road blockades, threatening lives, disrupting academic activities and affecting the livelihoods of the public.
While acknowledging the importance of ongoing infrastructure development, the union asserted that public safety must not be compromised in the pursuit of development.
The ASU said depending solely on post-disaster road clearance operations was no longer adequate when the safety of daily commuters remained at risk.
The union called on NHIDCL and the executing agencies to immediately undertake comprehensive slope stabilisation works, install slope protection nets, ensure continuous monitoring of vulnerable stretches and maintain round-the-clock emergency response preparedness to facilitate safe and uninterrupted movement of commuters.
Expressing hope that the authorities would respond with urgency, the ASU urged NHIDCL to address the hazards before any major disaster occurs during the ongoing monsoon season.
