Question mark over alternative route to Niuland via Seithekiema C
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 25
Apprehension over the safety of the alternative route to Niuland via Seithekiema C village has emerged following the discovery of fissures on a bridge falling between Patkai Christian College and Seithekiema C.
The single lane bridge in concern known to the villagers as “Chüzarü” (named after the stream flowing under it), as per the Seithekiema C Village Council (VC), has developed fissures on its main pier supporting the deck. It was only recently discovered following the introduction of the Patkai-Seithekiema-Showuba road as an alternative route to Niuland.
VC Chairman of Seithekiema C Bei-u Thepa informed today that the cracks were noticed on July 17 after which the PWD (Roads & Bridges) was informed. The chairman further informed that the foundation was exposed and appeared to be eroding.
While stating that the department has inspected the bridge, the VC chairman said it demands immediate attention as it would be unsafe particularly for heavy vehicles. The route has witnessed significant increase in vehicular traffic following the collapse of the Chathe bridge at 4th Mile.
For the safety of commuters, the chairman recommended the use of an alternative bridge downstream, which was recently constructed as part of the ongoing 4lane road project originating from New Field inter-state check post. In this regard, the chairman appealed the district administration to issue necessary directive for regulating the movement of heavy vehicles over the old bridge.
The old “Chüzarü” bridge as per the villagers was built by the ONGC some 25-30 years ago. The road passing through the bridge was also reportedly built by the same oil exploration company. Meanwhile, the new bridge downstream recommended for use falls under the National Highways authority.
Technically, it has had the state PWD (R&B) in a fix as none of the two bridges or the road come under its jurisdiction.
The jurisdictional mishmash notwithstanding, the villagers opined that the state government should look into the issue at hand with priority.
As regards the repair of the Patkai-Seithekiema-Showuba road, the chairman said that the village is doing whatever is possible within its capacity to maintain the road falling under its jurisdiction. He said that the council has mobilised the villagers to repair the road and has also pressed into service earth moving machinery over the past few days.
