DIMAPUR, MAY 29 (MExN): The Kikruma Village Council (KVC) has expressed concern at the halt in construction works on the 2 lane road from Kohima-Jessami, from the existing Km 30.474 (Near Kigwema road Chakabama) to existing Km 53.220 (Near Kikruma Village), a stretch covering 21.900 Km under Bharatmala Pariyojana on EPC mode.
In a letter to the General Manager, PMU-Pfutsero, the KVC said that the people of the area were thrilled to learn about the sanction of the Kohima to Jessami Projects in 2020 as it promised to improve the villages' connectivity.
“However, we are now anxious about the complete halt in construction works for the past two months and the potential impact it may have on our area. Our region is prone to landslides, as evidenced during last year's monsoon season. The public is understandably distressed and worried about the termination of the contractor and decision to completely halt construction works at the onset of monsoon,” the KVC said. It feared that this could lead to prolonged delays and disruption of connectivity, causing significant dislocation and hardship to residents.
With the suspension of works in package II, we are afraid the entire highway construction works have come to a grinding halt, and this will result in a complete dislocation and derailment of connectivity between Kezo Town-Kikruma connecting Pfutsero Town, potentially leading to large-scale unrest and unhappiness amongst the population in the service area of this highway project, the KVC stated. It added that the mobility of people, agricultural produce, and merchandise will stand adversely affected due to these developments.
Further the KVC informed that the NHIDCL has terminated the agreement of the construction contractor of M/s. KCPL and instructed KCPL to stop the construction work abruptly. “It may not be out of place to mention that with the suspension of the highway construction works, even regular maintenance works have come to a standstill, which could lead to significant health and safety concerns, particularly in light of the impending monsoon season, the KVC stated.
It therefore urged those responsible for the project's execution to take immediate action and resume construction works and maintenance before the onset of monsoon to prevent situation like previous year’s monsoon which created havoc for commuters from landslides which occurred at over 60 locations.
“We cannot afford any further, as this could severely impact the safety and livelihoods of our people and will further lead to significant dislocation and upheaval in our communities, causing further hardship and economic deprivation,” the KVC said.
