Calls for coordination between BRO and PWD
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 12 (MExN): The Nagaland State unit of the BJP has voiced serious concerns about the quality of the ongoing road resurfacing works at National Highway 29. A press note from the president and general secretary of the Nagaland State BJP unit reiterated its earlier stand against what it termed as the “poor quality workmanship” executed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
The BJP lamented that with regard to the resurfacing of NH- 29 Dimapur – Kohima road, “repair works were visible only in selected portions of the road.” It added that the stretch between Purana Bazar and Padumpukri is yet to be completed whereby; the people are facing a lot of inconvenience, while travelling on this stretch.
The party termed it “unfortunate” that “the BRO and the Government of India, led by the UPA, treated our state with step motherly attitudes by not improving the quality of roads in spite of several appeals by the state authority.”
Stating that the people had “high regards” on the workmanship of the BRO, the party lamented that, at present, the roads managed by the State authority are much better. It cited the road from Dhobinala police point to DC court as example of the said scenario.
The BJP stated that “ironically, the roads constructed by BRO at Myanmar are of top quality work, whereas the NE roads are sub-standard, especially in Nagaland.” Questioning this scenario, it urged upon the concerned authority to change its “complacent attitude” and “maintain a concrete quality work” in the interest of the people in the State, as well as to maintain its own reputation.
The BJP outlined certain points for consideration while making policies and programmes in order to build better and durable roads. It stated that the estimation of drainages is usually not included in the plan and that technical specifications are not strictly implemented. It added that no maintenance fund is allocated after the works are completed. As such, the BJP called for a “reformation of the system, by reviewing the loopholes.”
The party viewed that the BRO and the PWD are “like the sides of the same coin,” with similar functions. It urged for better co-ordination and understanding between the two departments so as to deliver quality roads to the people of Nagaland and at the same time bring a good name and reputation to the respective departments.
The BJP also urged concerned authorities to upgrade the present NH-29 (Dimapur to Moreh) into an International Highway, so as to promote trade and commerce in the entire North East region.
Meanwhile, the party also appreciated the initiatives taken by Nagaland State minister for Roads & Bridges, Kuzholuzo Nienu and his department for the improvement and reconstruction of roads, especially the Dimapur Tragopan- junction via Khermahal to ADC court Junction road, old over-bridge to new fly-over bridge via east police station and the drainage system at Dimapur. It further cited that the black topping done at NST road to Razhü point, the road behind Raj Bhavan and the new road towards the hospital road in Kohima as commendable. It further acknowledged the minister “who was seen personally supervising the works of BRO at Kohima around 10.30 pm.”
