Proposes fresh revised estimate to complete work on the portion
Morung Express News
Peren | August 9
The Peren town portion of the NH 129A Maram-Dimapur 2-lane project has been "de-scoped" from the original scope of the project, revealed the NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd).
The Executive Director (HQ), NHIDCL, RK Singh made the revelation at a press conference in Peren town on August 9 following a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Peren town.
Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, who holds the National Highways and Planning portfolios, was also present.
The public meeting was convened in the backdrop of the CSOs in Peren blockading the NH 129A at Tepuiki Bridge, where the said highway crosses into Manipur, since July 31.
The CSOs, headed by a body calling itself the Joint Action Committee (JAC) NH 129A Peren Town, are demanding the completion of the Peren town stretch of the NH 129A 2-lane project, which stretches 179 km in total starting from Maram in Manipur to connect with NH 29 in Nagaland via Peren town and Jalukie valley.
De-scope or de-scoping "means the Peren town portion is no longer within the scope of the (original) contractor," Singh explained.
He then proposed a fresh revised estimate to take up work on the said stretch.
While stating that the "de-scoping" was necessitated over safety issues, he said that it can be only be taken up as a separate project as the remaining funds for Package-I will not be enough to cover the costs for the Peren town stretch. He claimed that only Rs 5-6 crore remained within the existing contract.
Taking it up as an independent project, he maintained, "will be good for the town because we will come up with additional safety measures."
According to Singh, the Peren town portion will require additional slope protection and soil stabilising measures, implying additional funds.
"We are not of the opinion that the road should not be constructed. Some solution has to be arrived at," he said, while assuring that the NHIDCL will also push to convince the higher ups as well.
"I think the people should co-operate. There is no reason to deny a road. Whatever comes in the future will be better than what is now," he said.
When queried if the NHIDCL would give the required thrust for a new revised estimate for the Peren town portion, Singh replied that he would have to consult with the higher ups in Delhi.
During the public meeting, the Deputy CM emphasised the support and desire of the Peren public to see the project completed.
According to him, not a single property owner has contested the damage assessment, which was done as per the Schedule of Rate, 2021.
Hence, the NHIDCL should have accepted the damage compensation assessed by the Peren district administration, he added.
The Peren town portion of the NH 129A project saw the Damage Assessment Committee conducting compensation assessment four times, since the project was announced, with the last one occurring in 2022.
While urging the NHIDCL to consider the sentiment of the people, Zeliang said that the NH 129A would become one of the busiest roads once completed.
The public, he noted, should also be mentally prepared to make room for compromises to arrive at a consensus.
"I appeal the NHIDCL to consider the sentiment of the public and hope to see a "compromise formula" is worked out. All suggestions should be considered…," he added.
JAC temporarily lifts NH 129A blockade
The JAC, meanwhile, informed that it would temporarily lift the blockade of NH 129A. It, however, maintained that it will be only for 15 days within which the NHIDCL must assure its commitment to complete the Peren town portion. Failing the deadline would invite stronger mode of agitation, the JAC cautioned.
NH 129A Peren town portion
The Peren town portion, running 2.8 km, falls under Package-I of the said 2-lane project. The foundation stone was laid in November 2015 by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari. The construction was supposed to have started in December 2020. Till date, however, the Peren town stretch remains untouched. It turned out that the proposed work on the stretch was withdrawn in May, this year, citing cost-benefit issues attributed to the steep terrain, soil stability and anticipated high collateral damage. The decision was made official at a meeting between the Nagaland government and NHIDCL. The State Government was led by the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Deputy CM, Zeliang. The NHIDCL was represented by its Managing Director.
