Deputy CM reviews road sector issues in Nagaland, issues key directives

September 12, 2024 13 Views No Comment

Kohima, September 12 (MExN): The Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Minister In-charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, TR Zeliang, chaired a meeting today to discuss issues related to the road sector in the State.

A press release from the Deputy CM’s office informed that during the meeting at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Room, he took “serious cognisance” of the condition of roads in the State, marred by incessant rains and other natural causes and called upon the implementing agencies to work diligently for their restoration.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Engineer-in-Chief NPWD, Chief Engineer PWD (NH), Chief Engineer PWD (R&B), Executive Director (RO Kohima) NHIDCL, and a representative from Project Sewak (BRO), among others.

Regarding the road stretches under the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), particularly NH-29 4 Lane road and NH-02, continuously affected by landslides, mudslides, and sinking, the NHIDCL assured restoration of a smooth two-way traffic October-end, the release said.

In Paglapahar, where a major portion of the highway has been swept away by the river, NHIDCL presented a short-term plan to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.

For a long-term solution, it suggested diverting the course of the Chathe River, and the Deputy CM asked the NHIDCL Executive Director to write to the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima for the necessary clearance, it added. The Chief Secretary also noted that NHIDCL should not utilise blasting while carrying out this work, as it would again destabilise the surrounding areas.

In Pherima and Piphema, the Chief Secretary directed NHIDCL to ensure that debris from landslides or mudslides are not piled up on the side of the road, blocking the scenic view of the valley.

Regarding the Dzüdza landslide, NHIDCL has requested the State Government to close the traffic for a week as the progress of restoration work is being hampered.

The directive was to coordinate with the District Administration and work out a timeline.

On landslide and sinking portions of NH-2, NHIDCL assured that restoration work would be completed within October, as a contractor has been engaged, and the work will be monitored and expedited.

For the fresh landslide in NH-29 near KMC Old dumping site, which is under NPWD (NH), the Engineer-in-Chief and Chief Engineer (NH) assured that the road would be open by the evening of September 11, the release said.

Furthermore, the State NH Department pointed out at the meeting that due to the non-availability of funds for emergency and maintenance works, it is unable to respond promptly to various NHs in the State.

In response, Zeliang and Commissioner & Secretary (W&H) have asked the department to propose additional funds to be allocated to various divisions for emergency works and to maintain NH-29.

On the issue of NH-29 bypass roads, the Chief Engineer NPWD (R&B) presented seven different routes at various locations and both the Deputy CM and Chief Secretary stressed that the maintenance of these roads should be a priority given the uncertain state of NH-29.

The Deputy CM stated that although it is not within the department’s control to manage natural causes, it is the responsibility of each agency to ensure that the public is not subjected to undue inconvenience.