NAGALAND: BROKEN ROADS, SHALLOW FIXES

December 6, 2024 4 Views No Comment

With the ongoing Hornbill Festival and the festive season in full swing, we put road infrastructure issues across Nagaland under renewed scrutiny. Citizens in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Wokha have expressed growing frustration over deteriorating road conditions, ranging from potholes and uneven surfaces to poor drainage and dust pollution. Despite patch-up repairs being hastily executed in some areas, residents and commuters say the quality remains subpar, highlighting systemic neglect by authorities.

In Kohima, even as patchwork repairs are underway, motorists continue to contend with traffic congestion, dust pollution, and hazardous road conditions. Delivery agents and commuters share how poor infrastructure affects productivity, vehicle maintenance, and mental stress. Comparisons have been drawn with neighboring states that maintain better road standards despite similar terrain.

Dimapur, the state’s commercial hub, has its own set of challenges, from jurisdictional disputes between departments to critical projects like the renovation of the old Road Over Bridge (ROB). While patchwork repairs have begun on major stretches, residents criticize their quality and complain of ongoing traffic snarls exacerbated by bad roads.

In Mokokchung, citizen-led efforts have temporarily addressed road issues where government action has been lacking. Groups like the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) have initiated voluntary repairs on critical stretches, but local leaders caution against relying on community efforts as a long-term solution. The government has assured action, but residents remain skeptical.

Wokha district’s residents face similar struggles, with pothole-ridden roads, inadequate drainage, and a lack of safety measures hampering daily life and economic activities. Farmers and shopkeepers report losses, while students and parents voice concerns about road safety. The district’s unique hilly terrain adds further challenges, with steep slopes and narrow roads posing significant risks.

While patchwork repairs are being carried out in various districts, many view these efforts as inadequate and symbolic, catering primarily to the influx of visitors for the Hornbill Festival rather than addressing systemic problems.

No Response from Key Officials
The Morung Express reached out to Deputy CM and Minister in charge of National Highways TR Zeliang and Minister for PWD (R&B) G Kaito Aye for comments on the road conditions. Queries were sent weeks in advance, but no responses were received as of the date of publication.