DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 4 (MExN): The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has called on the Nagaland government to urgently address the deteriorating condition of National Highway 2 (NH-2) within the Southern Angami region. In a representation to Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, SAYO expressed concerns over the long-standing neglect of the highway, which is crucial for transportation between Nagaland and Manipur.
SAYO highlighted that NH-2, originally built during the pre-independence era, has not been upgraded to meet modern transportation standards. “This vital national highway remains perilously unfit for today’s vehicles,” they said, describing the road's condition as "alarming," with deteriorated surfaces, aging bridges, and culverts near collapse.
Despite its strategic importance—connecting Southern Angami villages, neighboring districts, and Manipur—the highway has remained neglected, affecting 13 villages with a population of 62,378 and 48 educational institutions, which serve the largest number of students in Kohima District. SAYO stressed that the poor road conditions are severely hampering students, office workers, farmers, and emergency medical services, including ambulances. Pregnant women and patients often fail to reach hospitals on time, increasing the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
“The highway's condition has also led to new dust-borne diseases affecting the local population,” SAYO stated, adding that the delays in medical attention, coupled with economic hardships, are having a devastating impact on public health and livelihoods.
SAYO mentioned that despite several appeals, neither the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) nor the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have taken concrete action. SAYO also noted that the matter was raised by local MLAs Kevipodi Sophie and Er. Kropol Vitsu during the NLA session, where the Deputy CM informed the assembly of the formation of a Fact-Finding Technical Team (FFT) on June 15, 2024. However, the FFT has yet to submit its report.
SAYO accused the Ministry of MoRTH and NHIDCL of undermining public welfare, demanding that restoration and upgradation work begin within 15 days, including transforming the highway into a two-lane road and replacing or renovating the crumbling bridges and culverts.
“If no action is taken, SAYO will resort to severe measures,” the statement warned. SAYO also threatened to impose a ban on vehicles with more than three axles from plying the highway until necessary upgrades are completed.
