Our Correspondent
Doyang | August 23
Nagaland has a landmark now, with the second-longest Bailey bridge (600 feet) in Asia, at the Doyang Hydro Project plant. The bridge was inaugurated today by Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio.
Chubi Bridge, which is about 30 kilometers away from Wokha town, connects two hills and is built over the Doyang Hydro Project reservoir. The bridge will maintain communication links between people of both the banks of the reservoir. It would also shorten the route to Dimapur via Merapani by 50-to-60 kilometers. It is reported that the bridge’s foundation was laid more than nine years ago but due to technical problems the construction could not be carried out and the project finally began last April.
Inaugurating the long-awaited bridge, the chief minister congratulated the NEEPCO officials especially the engineering wing for their efforts in constructing and completing the bridge. He said the bridge will not only connect Sungro range but will also create accessibility for other districts such as Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang and Zunheboto to commercial cities.
The government is trying its best to pursue development in all nook and corners of the state, Neiphiu Rio said. But, he said in concern, issues of landownership hamper developmental activities. He strongly appealed to all landowners to address their grievances in a reasonable way and cooperate with the government and the authorities to develop Nagaland into a vibrant society.
“Opening of this new bridge will create more avenues for economic and developmental activities”, said Rio. He added that the region has a huge potential for integrated irrigation and urged the people of the area to extend cooperation to the government to bring about more development in future. Interestingly, the chief minister declared that under the “Year of Entrepreneurs”, the government will sponsor two youths interested in undergoing study in bungee jumping in Switzerland to boost the tourist mettle of Nagaland.
Officials of NEEPCO handed over the bridge to Nagaland state. Nagaland has full potential in natural resources to benefit the Nagas, a NEEPCO official said. Highlighting the requirements of the water reservoir, where the requirement is 334 reservoir levels (at present the water reservoir is 324) an official urged landowners to cooperate with the officials of NEEPCO in order to raise the water level for the welfare of the general public.
Doyang had an installed capacity of 75MW giving 12% free power supply to the state of Nagaland. According to NEEPCO officials, 1% of the total income was being used for the welfare of the people of the effected areas. Chubi Bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs.7.1 crore under the NEEPCO Cooperative Social Responsibility Scheme. Vehicles with more than 9 metric tones are not allowed to cross the bridge.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the “Village Welcome Gate” of Englan Range at Englan EAC H.Q. The Chairman, Pangti Village Council submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister for construction of road from Chubi Bridge to Aolichen NH-61, up-gradation of Sungro EAC Headquarter to Sub-divisional Officer (Civil) Headquarter and Integrated Agriculture and Allied Development Project (IA&ADP) confluence.
Short speeches were also delivered by Chairman, Kyong Hoho, Yansathung and Convenor, Land owner Union. Earlier, the function was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Rovilatuo Mor, and R.C Sharma, HOP delivered the welcome address. Pangti Village presented traditional dance. P. Konwar pronounced vote of thanks. Chief Minister was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, parliamentary secretaries and host of dignitaries and other government officials.
