Says work being carried out along NH 29 without proper consultation
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) along with the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), Northern Angami Youth organization (NAYO), Western Angami Youth Organization (WAYO) and Chakhroma Youth Organization (CYO) on Tuesday resolved to suspend works related to the IGGL gas pipeline project within Angami region with immediate effect.
A press statement received from the AYO stated that the exercise for the massive gas pipeline project along the stretch of the National Highway 29 is being carried out without having proper consultation with the concerned stakeholders and landowners. It said such a mega project of this nature cannot be carried out without educating the public on its merits and demerits.
The multiple incidents of bursting of gas pipelines across the country, which led to loss of lives and property, should teach us better before we initiate a mega project of this nature, the AYO pointed out while emphasizing that Nagaland state, which falls under the seismic zone-V as per the data brought out by the National Centre for Seismology, cannot ignore the risk it involves in implementing the gas pipeline project. Economy matters, yet, safety of lives is paramount to any development, it went on to state.
The AYO asserted that even though the gas pipeline may benefit the market and its economy in a huge way, nevertheless, we cannot rule out the negative consequences that we may face along the course of time, while adding that a project such as this will constantly endanger the lives of the people, especially those villages and the populace along the stretch of the NH-29.
“When we all know that our land is prone to so many natural calamities, why won’t the public have apprehension that major catastrophic incidents are bound to happen anytime even on a slightest mishap or technical breakdown. Who will hold the responsibility in the event it leads to any catastrophe in the future?” it further questioned.
The AYO also stated that the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is well aware of the natural calamities and accidents that occur every now and then along the National Highway, and the project of laying the gas pipeline along that stretch is nothing but a time-bomb waiting to be triggered at any moment. It therefore condemned and questioned the NHIDCL for grating the Right of Way for laying the gas pipeline along the NH-29 just for the purpose of financial benefits.
It also expressed displeasure that at a time when the CYO, the apex youth body of one of the four AYO ranges have submitted several representations and press statements, yet, the IGGL and the NHIDCL had the audacity to go ahead in continuing their works by transporting the gas pipes to the Western Angami jurisdiction under Kohima district. This itself clearly indicates the irresponsible behaviour of the NHIDCL and IGGL towards the public, the AYO alleged.
Taking all things into consideration, the AYO observed that there is a lackadaisical approach from the government and the company undertaking the project. It strongly felt that the public needs to be educated about the project, particularly the risk and the safety measures it involves.
To this end, the AYO has informed the IGGL and NHIDCL to refrain from carrying out any works related to the said project immediately, while cautioning that failure to comply with this notice will be at its own risk.
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