Bumpy Foothills debate rocks Nagaland Assembly; Govt pushes for speedy progress

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 5

Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today called for full cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the much-delayed Foothills roads project, even as several members raised concerns over the issue on the second day of the Sixth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

He acknowledged the concerns, stating that the questions were warranted, and clarified the issue by saying, “I want to give some clarity in this, so that the public will stop discussing or casting aspersions against one another.”

Providing background, CM Rio highlighted that the Foothills Road project was initiated in 1993, while recalling his earlier efforts to secure funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC), then as Minister of Works and Housing.

However, he noted that the proposal was stalled by Assam, which raised objections, citing that the road traversed disputed areas and could trigger law and order concerns.

Similarly, recent attempts to obtain central funding under Bharatmala and other schemes have not succeeded, he informed.

CM Rio also maintained that Nagaland has not received any financial assistance from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Whatever amounts have been received so far for this project were through SPA (Special Plan Assistance) and SASCI (Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment), with budgetary allocations, he added.

Since 2013-14, a total of Rs 245.50 crore has been sanctioned for the project under various state budgetary allocations: Rs 40 cr in 2013-14; Rs 27 cr in 2014-15; Rs 30 cr in 2021-22; and Rs 148.50 cr in 2023-24 under SASCI, he highlighted.

However, CM expressed concern that under SASCI the money received must be spent within the financial year with an additional 6 months, during which if the money is left unspent, it risks penalties and delays in future allocations.

“And then if you don’t give utilisation certificate, next allocation you will not get,” stated Rio while indicating that if the allocated money of Rs148.50 cr is spent with the support of the people and cooperation of the landowners, more sanctions might come depending on the requirement.

Meanwhile, he agreed with the idea of alignment of the road if done, with a caveat.
“As too many cooks spoil the curry, and everybody is voicing, so, taking the sense of the house, and the department, I feel, I as a Chief Minister, the Leader of the House, am making an appeal to any agencies, who are cooperating from inside or outside, to have full understanding with the department and immediately allow the contractors to implement the road,” CM Rio said.

Seeking public support, he assured that more funds can be given to expedite the completion of the road.

“I hope this will make everybody keep this issue at rest,” CM Rio held, requesting the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee, leaders, Hohos and civil society to support the Government’s project.

Meanwhile, describing Minister G Kaito Aye as a senior and experienced leader, not only in politics but also in handling public matters, CM Rio expressed his support and asserted that the question of Aye’s resignation does not arise.

“That programme will not fail and the question of him resigning does not arise. Because he is implementing and in the process we will see that this project survives, so there is no issue,” he elaborated.
Also speaking on the issue, Minister Aye stated that while recent media reports and one-sided press releases have fuelled speculation, the government has maintained transparency in its approach.

He clarified that the department has followed due process, including floating tenders and awarding work orders to competent contractors and that the contractors are working in full swing.

On the agreement drafted by the NFHRCC circulated in the public domain, Aye clarified that the department has not officially received or authorised it.

On the concern over dividing the project into 17 packages, the Minister expressed confidence that all awarded contractors were registered and that they will be able to complete the work.

The Minister appealed to all stakeholders, NGOs, civil society and local communities to cooperate with the government to ensure the project’s success stating, “This is a people’s project, and we are only the facilitators. Let’s not allow misunderstandings to delay progress.”

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that with mutual understanding, the Foothill Road project will be completed as planned and requested patience from the public and members of the Assembly, emphasising that the department remains committed to delivering a road that will benefit the people of Nagaland.

Earlier, MLAs Nuklutoshi and Achumbemo Kikon voiced concerns regarding contract allocations, oversight responsibilities, and deviations in the alignment of the Foothills road project, while Member Nyamnyei Konyak sought updates on its status.