Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 12
Sinking land is severely affecting movement of vehicles along National Highway 39 near the KMC dumping area in Kohima. More than hundred of trucks are stranded due to the weak road condition. Light vehicles are plying through the Jotsoma by-pass, while heavy vehicles pass through NH-39 with the help of JCBs. Villagers from villages in the area and the Border Road Organizations are engaged in filling the sinking areas, which began more than two weeks ago.
In regard to the Jotsoma Youth Organization’s opposing traffic diversion, DSP of Traffic M. Kapfo said he had a talk with the local organization and that it was due to ‘communication gap.’ Another reason he cited was reckless driving as the diverted road lies in the heart of the village, and creates risks for villagers. Kapfo said the road is very narrow but usable when there is no rainfall.
Jotsoma Youth Organization president Vilhu said that north and south-bound vehicles can use the Lakie road that connects Forest colony in Kohima. Expressing disappointment over the government for the negligence of Jotsoma by-pass road, he said similar inconvenience takes place every year during monsoon and the organizations are compelled to open the road which originally is not meant for heavy traffic flow.
He also said Jotsoma villagers hold “mass social work twice a year” on the Jotsoma by-pass road and Lakie road at their own expenses and own machinery. Also, BRO officials were queried on using “NH-29” on milestones on NH-39, BRO official said the National Highway Authority of India sent a letter to change it. Any change is yet to be confirmed as the NHAI issued a letter to keep the matter in abeyance. BRO officials also said it usually deploys laborers to clear the Jotsoma by-pass. However, National Highways are to be given more importance so full-time attention cannot be rendered.
