DIMAPUR, JULY 27 (MExN): The Nagaland government has clarified on the news report ‘RK Puram Nagaland House—an undelivered promise’, published in the July 26, 2012 edition of the Morung Express. A clarification to this effect was given by Er L. Senti Jamir, Executive Engineer PWD (H), Estate Division, Kohima.
While admitting as indeed true that completion time given as per work order was 18 months, however the government cited four reasons for the delay in the project even after five years of issue of work order.
The clarification note explained that the site was handed over to NPWD on 2nd February 2009 by the Home Department and the old building was completely dismantled by 18th June 2009 and cleared for excavation. However work could not start in time due to delay in obtaining clearance from the competent Civic bodies in Delhi. Final clearance was obtained from the Delhi Municipal Corporation only on 31/08/10, it stated.
The third reason was that it was around this time that preparation for Common Wealth Games was in full progress and the Government of Delhi had given orders that no heavy machinery or Lorries to ply within the city. Hence, excavation work could start only by 20/10/2010 after the Games was over, the note stated.
“The final reason for delay of this project is limited allocation of fund. In fact the fund provided is not commensurate for the work completed at site. If enough fund is provided work will definitely progress”, the clarification stated.
The Department (government) also stated that it did not agree with the reported view based on rumours given in the new item that the reason for delay is misuse of funds and that there is “a clear lack of transparency”. “It would be appreciated if the esteemed newspaper correspondent would take the right step of approaching the concerned department for correct information before making such baseless and defaming reports”, the press note stated while adding that the department was open to give facts so that the media may correctly disseminate news.
