Development of Longmatra to Avangkhu stretch of Tizu-Zungki Rivers discussed

Stakeholder’s meeting for development of Longmatra to Avangkhu stretch of Tizu-Zungki Rivers in Kohima on November 25 in Kohima.

Kohima, November 25 (MExN): A stakeholder’s meeting for development of Longmatra to Avangkhu stretch of Tizu-Zungki Rivers was convened on November 25 and presided over by KG Kenye, MP (Rajya Sabha) who is also the Chairperson of the Nagaland Inland Waterway Board.

The meeting was held at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall Kohima with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Nagaland Inland Waterways Board (NIWB) WAPCOS Ltd and the stakeholders (land owners).

The Consultant of the Project WAPCOS Ltd (A Government of India undertaking) gave a Power Point Presentation about the current status of the project along the National Waterways 101 which is also referred to as the Tizu-Zungki Inland waterway project and the challenges ahead.

The main obstacle in the implementation of the Inland waterways project is the proposed Dam of LTHP to be taken up by the Power Department as it may obstruct the path of the waterways. However it was resolved for the Waterway’s project to go ahead and the Commissioner & Secretary KD Vizo (Power) agreed to stand with the earlier NIWB’s decision of moving back the proposed hydro plant at Longmatra by splitting it into two plants upstream where Tizu will have a 25MW plant as well as a 25MW plant for the Zungki river. Concerns for conditions of the roads were also highlighted by the team for which the Engineer In-Chief of NPWD had assured to take necessary actions.

The Chief Secretary & Co-opted Chairperson NIWB Temjen Toy, shared his concerns for the Ecological consequences which was assured by the IWAI officials that no harm will be done to it. Addl Secy and Development Commissioner Sentiyanger highlighted the prospects of tourism highly appreciated the team for their visit and initiative.

OSD Planning and Coordination Thomas Thailu gave a brief report on the history of the project and its progress.
The National Level Technical Expert presented the Government of India’s active support for this National Waterway 101 as a part of the Look and Act East Policy which will be pursued earnestly.

Kenye, highlighted on the larger picture of Economic boom through trade and commerce for the State as well as the whole of North East region as the gateways to South East Asian Countries will be opened up requested all stakeholders to extend their unflinching support  towards the success of the project and not miss the opportunity as it is rare to come by.

Minister V Kashiho Sangtam requested the IWAI officials as well as the NIWB to take up the project with all sincerity for the development of the region for which he assured his full support and cooperation.

The main stakeholders and leaders from  Kiphire and Phek district includes Joshua Sangtam representing Kiphire and Phor village chief representing the Phek District also warmly welcomed the team and assured to extend all possible help for the success of the project.

The IWAI officials along with WAPCOS Ltd team will be touring the project sites viz Longmatra on November 26 and Laluri/Avangkhu/Wazeho on November 27 wherein all concerned authorities and locals have been requested to extend all possible help to the team to have a successful survey of the project sites.