Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang presides over a review meeting of the progress of ongoing National Highway projects in the State on March 5.
• Zeliang holds second NH project review meeting
• Orders immediate commencement of work on Kohima-Jessami stretch
Kohima, March 5 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang today acknowledged the role of civil society as a watchdog but urged stakeholders to address grievances through proper channels rather than halting work.
Complaints regarding quality should be lodged with the District Administration or National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) for verification, he stated, presiding over a review meeting of the progress of ongoing National Highway (NH) projects in the State.
"If claims are validated, appropriate action will be taken against the defaulting contractor," he assured.
Since January, Zeliang, who is the Minister In-charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highways, has been holding periodic meetings to review progress and address critical issues hindering the smooth implementation of NH projects in the State.
He made the appeal after the Executive Director of NHIDCL highlighted disruptions in the Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon (Package-IV) project caused by the Konyak Union and Civil Society, citing concerns over the quality of work.
These interruptions have resulted in time and cost overruns for the Government, the meeting was informed.
Meanwhile, as per a press release, the meeting began with the review of the Action Taken Report from the last meeting held on January 28, noting that while some issues were resolved, a few critical challenges remain unresolved. Among these were land acquisition for the Peren-Dimapur (Package-V) and Kohima-Jessami (Package-II).
Concerning land acquisition and damage compensation for Peren-Dimapur, the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima informed that the delay in finalising the same was due to the non-submission of estimates by departments such as Horticulture, Agriculture, and PWD (Housing).
There was also rectification of alignment in certain sections, which further delayed the process, he added. However, the DC assured that the matter would be expedited and submitted to NHIDCL at the earliest.
On the Kohima-Jessami (Package-II) stretch, Zeliang directed the contractor to commence work immediately, warning of termination for undue delays, the release maintained. Both the NHIDCL and the Deputy Commissioner of Phek also admonished the contractor for non-performance, which has caused significant hardship to the public, it said.
The Deputy CM also informed that he will conduct an onsite inspection of the Kohima Bypass on March 11 to address minor issues faced by the contractor and NHIDCL. This spot verification is aimed at ensuring the timely resolution of challenges and the smooth progress of the project, he said.
Zeliang further stated at the meeting that the government remains dedicated to addressing challenges and ensuring the timely completion of all NH projects, stressing the importance of regular review and coordination meetings to achieve this goal.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner & Secretary (Works & Housing) Kesonyu Yhome, Commissioner & Secretary (Land Revenue) Zasekuolie Chusi, Executive Director NHIDCL, Deputy Commissioners of Kohima, Chümoukedima, Phek, and Meluri, and representatives from the DC Office of Peren.
