Dimapur, December 8 (MExN): The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) on Tuesday said it was ‘appalled’ that the Government of Nagaland had introduced 14 National Highway projects worth Rs 4,127 crore confined only to a certain geographical area while “totally ignoring one of the oldest and most important connectivity roads in the state.”
A press release issued by DAYO Media Cell stated that the foothill road (Trans Nagaland Expressway) that runs through various districts of the state without touching Assam had assumed greater importance, especially in the backdrop of the recent economic blockade.
While appreciating the leaders of yesteryears who envisioned the project, it said that the road had been surveyed and construction began as early as 1974. However, it lamented that despite 57 years of statehood, many districts are “living at the mercy of others because of the incomplete foothill road connectivity.”
It appreciated the commendable job that the NFHRCC has been doing and also acknowledged the previous NPF-II government under the leadership of the present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for sanctioning Rs 70 crore for the same. However, it pointed out that the project is stagnant without any further fund allocation.
DAYO also expressed astonishment that the 48 MLAs representing those areas that are traversed by the foothill road connectivity, chose to remain silent when the same was left out of the recent mega projects.
As such, DAYO appealed the present government to give top priority towards the completion of the foothill road at the earliest as only a very short stretch of the road is lying incomplete.
While appreciating the resumption of bridge construction over Doyang River, it also voiced its expectation that the same would be completed on time. This will immediately benefit Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Wokha districts who are being constantly harassed while crossing Assam, it added.
It also mentioned the philanthropic contribution made by ABAM (Ao Baptist Churches Association) in donating Rs 36,56,282 in 2019 towards the early completion of the road and added that the state government cannot choose to remain silent.
While waiting for another mega project for a super highway, the Government of Nagaland should have the political will and sanction its contingency fund to enable motorable roads before the onset of monsoons, it said.
Give priority to foothill road: CNSA
The Central Nagaland Student’s Association (CNSA) meanwhile urged the state government to give balanced priority and attention to the foothill road construction, for fueling the economy, security and safety of its citizens.
In a press release on Tuesday, the association reiterated its November 2018 resolution to support and cooperate with the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), stating that early completion of the road would be vital for economic and social growth of the State of Nagaland.
It meanwhile appreciated the State Government and the Government of India for accelerating road connectivity in the State and at the same time, urged for prioritisation of the foothill road.
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