Army to the rescue
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The public can heave a sigh of relief as the Army has promised a bridge over the Chathe by Christmas. With the construction of a new bridge as promised by the Nagaland state government delayed, engineers of the 3 Corps, also known as the Spear Corps, headquartered at Rangapahar, Dimapur has started constructing an alternative - a motorable bridge over the Chathe River.
The under-construction bridge is located adjacent to the spot where the old Bailey bridge collapsed in July this year. The collapse of the bridge had cut off Niuland with commuters forced to take a long detour via an almost non-existent Chumukedima- Seithekiema-Niuland road.
Informing of the development, a press release from the Defence PRO said that the bridge should be functional by Christmas. “Understanding the genuine concern of the inconvenienced residents of Dimapur and Niuland, an Engineers Unit of Spear Corps has commenced the construction of an alternate crossing across River Chathe at Fourth Mile,” stated the release. It said that the Army swung to action observing the plight of the public of Niuland sub-division in the absence of a motorable bridge. “Disruption of communication caused immense inconvenience and hardships for the population of over 100 villages who regularly used the bridge for their daily commute.”
“It was under such circumstances that the Civil Administration, several local communities and civil society organisations including the Naga Ex-servicemen Association (NESA) headed by Col S Rengma approached Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, General Officer Commanding Spear Corps for assistance,” the release added.
While stating that the bridge will be completed “on priority and opened for public use by Christmas this year,” the release added, “it will be kept operational till repair of the main bridge that collapsed during the monsoons is undertaken by the Civil Administration.”
It said that the initiative is symbolic of the Army’s genuine concern towards the people of Nagaland. The bridge on completion will allow movement of light vehicles.
.JPG)
