A file photo of ongoing construction works along the NH-29 for the Dimapur-Kohima four lane road project. Nagaland Governor on January 11 directed the DGP to set up a SIT to probe into rampant extortions by ‘underground’ elements on CSS road projects. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, November 9 (MExN): Unhappy over the time taken for the construction of the four-lane Dimapur to Kohima National Highway, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded that the Governor and Chief Minister take initiative to direct and supervise the contractors to complete the roads.
In a press release on Monday, NPCC President K Therie, while appreciating the project, stated that “the construction time taken has seriously impacted the economy of vendors, entrepreneurs and the living conditions of people residing near the road, in a negative manner.”
“In the first place, Nagaland State Government refused to pay 100% solatium to Nagaland people. When represented for payment, the government replied simply that the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 cannot be applied in Nagaland in view of Article 371-A. If so, the government should have amended the Nagaland Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act of 1965 to give benefit to the land and property owners,” the release stated.
It also said that the travel time as well as transportation costs have nearly doubled.
“All the prices of essential commodities have gone up by almost 100%. One cubic feet of Assam sand at Phek now costs Rs 150 while local sand costs Rs 110. At Kiphire it is Rs 215 and Rs 175 respectively,” it pointed out, adding that ever since regional government came to power, the government has had no concern to control prices.
The NPCC underscored that the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and contractors are obliged to provide serviceable roads during construction. However, “from the time construction began, citizens residing along the highway have been exposed to perpetual dust clouds, which is a serious concern owing to the multiple health risks it poses to them,” it added.
As such, it demanded that the Governor and Chief Minister take initiative to direct and supervise the contractors to complete the roads in town and village areas namely Chümoukedima Police Gate, Kukidulong, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Pherima, Piphima, Sechü, Lalmati and Zubza, within this winter season.
NHIDCL and the contractors must complete the road in those areas within a given timeframe so that vendors and entrepreneurs can return to their economic activities and the citizens can breathe fresh air, it added.
