Nagaland: MTLT urges proper maintenance of NH 702D

Mokokchung, June 3 (MExN): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) today expressed concern at the pathetic condition of the National Highway 702-D (Mariani-Mokokchung road) which is posing serious threat to truckers especially and also inconveniencing travelers on the road. 

A press release from the MTLT stated that the National Highway 702D, is the economic lifeline not only for the people of Mokokchung district but also for the neighboring sister districts of Tuensang and Zunheboto. The stretch of road near Chungtia village, popularly called ‘June linen’ (a landslide area that usually occurs during the month of June every year) is also posing much hardship to the truckers especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. 

The MTLT conducted an inspection along the highway and interacted with the department supervisors engaged in the earth cutting works in the ‘June Linen’ area. 

The MTLT appreciated the officials and labourers engaged in the road construction works. It further acknowledged that the landowners – Chungtia and Aliba villagers – are providing all out support and cooperation to the concerned department. 

However, the MTLT informed that this stretch of road, which is a sinking area, has been causing much inconvenience to the people for the past two-three decades. Even this year, before the onset of the monsoon season, the road had sunk and it was rendered not fit for traveling from to time. 

It pointed out that truckers ferrying essential commodities to the different districts are one of the most important frontline warriors in this fight against the COVID-19 virus. “The people remain dependent on the truckers in the midst of this extraordinary situation that the whole state and the country is going through. The MTLT is much concerned about the safety of the truck drivers and the co-drivers who have to maneuver through this treacherous road while bringing the essential commodities to the different towns in northern Nagaland,” it added. 

As such, the MTLT urged the PWD (National Highway) to give topmost priority to the National Highway 702D and make the road safe for the truckers and motorists at the earliest. 

It meanwhile noted the hardships that the state government or the concerned department might be facing in times such as this. “However, there can be no excuse for not carrying out development works especially on an important economic route like the NH 702D,” it observed. 

It further asked the State Government to formulate a long term strategy – like either making a road diversion or constructing some concrete retaining walls – so that the this economic lifeline does not pose anymore threat or inconveniences in the days and years to come.