In this image taken on June 23, the base of the protective structure built to prevent soil erosion from the Chathe River along the NH-29 Pagla Pahar (Tsiedukhru Range) stretch is seen washed away. The delay in acquiring land for river expansion was a key issue deliberated at the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench on June 25. (Morung Photo)
Proceedings at HC Kohima Bench flag several instances of inaction by concerned authorities
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 27
Was the Nagaland Government ‘sleeping’ on the issue of land acquisition required to expand the Chathe River and prevent further erosion of National Highway-29?
The question gains relevance in light of submissions made during the resumption of the hearing of the suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane project (NH 29) at the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) on June 25.
The Amicus Curiae, during the hearing, drew attention to repeated delays and apparent administrative inaction concerning land acquisition and other and lapses impacting both project implementation and public safety.
A portion of the highway was first damaged by erosion in September 2024, followed by another incident on June 16/17, 2025.
Delay in land acquisition
A key focus of the hearing was the delay in acquiring land at Chainage 126 of the Pagla Pahar (now Tsiedukhru Range) to expand the river and protect the highway.
The Amicus Curiae noted that despite multiple court orders, no meaningful progress had occurred.
A report submitted on February 10 following spot verification and acquisition proposal to the Commissioner of Nagaland has remained unacted upon.
“It is still lying pending before the government. Because of the delay, we are in this situation. It appears the Commissioner and the State Government are ‘sleeping away’,” the Amicus stated. “That’s how we miss the season—and the rain has come,” he added, referring to the June 17 erosion.
In defence, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Nagalandnoted that beside the spot verification, the proposal had been sent to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
However, the Amicus countered that the land reportedly belongs to the Tourism Department, not private individuals, and therefore acquisition should not be delayed, as compensation would return to the government treasury.
The Authority Engineer also informed the Court that on June 16, heavy rainfall akin to a “cloudburst” had caused the river to rise rapidly, hitting the basement of the structure and damaging the top protective layer, though the main road structure remained intact.
Taking note, the Division Bench of Justice Budi Habung and Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer observed that further delay could worsen damage during the monsoon.
The Court was informed that cost estimates for the work are ready and tendering can proceed once land is acquired.
Accordingly, in its oral order, the Court directed the Commissioner Nagaland to file a detailed affidavit on the status of the acquisition within two weeks.
Given the urgency, the Court allowed the tendering process and ongoing work to continue in parallel.
The Court was also informed during the parallel proceedings that an expert team from the NHIDCL HQ has assessed the damaged areas and suggest remedial measure.
When The Morung Express visited the site on June 17, cracks were visible on one lane of the road, though the main structure remained intact, and traffic had been diverted."
Jotsoma–Lerie stretch: Completion certificate questioned
The Amicus also questioned a completion certificate issued on March 13 for repair work between Jotsoma and Lerie. He said the road remained impassable, especially beyond Jotsoma bypass, with no surfacing and blocked access.
He asked how the certificate could be issued under such conditions, noting that he had flagged the same issue in Court on April 2, just days after the certificate was issued.
The project, covering 12.64 km, was sanctioned for over Rs 1.98 crore.
The AAG contended the road was damaged after work completion and said MoRTH had sanctioned fresh funds on June 3, 2025, for black-topping.
The Court directed the Commissioner and Secretary PWD (Works and Housing) and the Chief Engineer PWD (National Highway) to file affidavits on fund utilisation and maintenance plans within two weeks.
Bailey Steel Bridge construction
The delays in constructing the Bailey Steel Bridge at Chainage 155, near Peducha were also flagged. Although materials were delivered, the Amicus noted that no progress had been made despite prior assurances on March 12.
To this, the Authority Engineer confirmed the lack of labour deployment. The Court ordered the contractor to begin construction immediately and submit a status affidavit within two weeks.
Culvert construction
Another issue raised was the sinking area near Chainage 164, where culvert work remains half-done due to a land dispute. A private landowner reportedly demanded additional compensation and halted progress.
The Court directed the Deputy Commissioner and NHIDCL to negotiate with the landowner and file a report by affidavit within two weeks.
Slope protection and casualty
Contractor M/S Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd, assigned slope protection work at six sites, reported completion at five. However, the sixth site at Pagla Pahar where a recent human casualty occurred, remains incomplete.
The firm claimed NHIDCL halted work earlier due to a scope change.
The Court directed the Chümoukedima DC, NHIDCL, and the contractor to file detailed affidavits on the incident and current status.
Progress of Package-III
The Authority Engineer reported 62% progress under Package-III. The contractor was directed to submit a bar chart and an affidavit confirming the commitment to complete the work by September 2025, per contract terms.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 16, with all nodal officers and engineers directed to remain present and submit their affidavits by then.
