DIMAPUR, JULY 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) today appealed to the Nagaland State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio to provide funds in order to resume the Foothill Road construction. In a letter from the NFHRCC Assistant General Secretary, W Lemba Chang, the committee asked the CM to provide 11.5 crores for completion of earth cutting and to accord the “historic project” top priority “as the same will be the gateway for survival of the Nagas.”
The NFHRCC reminded that initially the Nagaland Government had started construction of the foothill road in 1974, but this was abandoned. After almost 4 decades, the project was resurrected in 2013 as an “extraordinary project” or “peoples’ project.”
“Landowners were convinced to part their land without a penny of compensation, Naga groups agreed not to levy tax and concerned department also agreed upon only statutory demands,” it added.
The NFHRCC informed that it met with Rio when he was CM on June 13 whereby he had “assured that necessary fund would be provided.” Accordingly the CM had sanctioned Rs 40 crore as first installment and Rs 30 crore as second installment from the Special Plan Assistance.
Thereafter when TR Zeliang took over the CM’s office, only 8 kilometers of earth cutting (5km in Niuland and 3km in Naginimora) was left; and the total amount involved was Rs 11.5 crores as per the Detailed Project Reports.
“However, unfortunately instead of providing fund, Chief Minister TR Zeliang did not give even an appointment to the committee. Consequent upon which the historic project is at hold,” the NFHRCC lamented.
It meanwhile informed that the little more than 50% of the bridge construction over the Doyang River at Governor’s Camp has been completed. In this regard a meeting was convened on July 9, 2018 with the bridge contractor, L Pukhato Shohe. “After thorough deliberation, it was resolved that the contractor will resume the construction in full swing at the onset of working season,” the NFHRCC informed.
It further informed that the foothill road will be extended till Khelma with the view to connect the entire foothill areas of the state.
“It is also visualized in the future that the same road can also be converted into an international economic road in consonance with the Government of India’s Act East Policy,” the committee said.
