NFHRCC inspects foothills road construction sites

April 9, 2025 6 Views No Comment

Raises concerns over political interference

MOKOKCHUNG, APRIL 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), along with relevant departmental officials, conducted inspections at various construction sites of the Foothills Road project in Tuli and Peren Divisions on April 1 and April 7, respectively. The inspections aimed to assess the physical progress of the ongoing road construction and bridge projects, a press release issued by Media Cell, NFHRCC stated.

In Tuli Division, where construction is being carried out by M/S 3S INFRA, the NFHRCC found that over 55% of the overall roadwork had been completed. Additionally, bridge construction by M/S Medodi Constructions & Co was reported to be approximately 20% complete. The joint inspection team endorsed the progress and recommended that the department release the requisite running bills accordingly for the works done so far.

However, the inspection of Baghty Division, initially scheduled for April 5, faced an unexpected hurdle. The Executive Engineer (EE) of PWD (R&B) for Baghty Division, under the instruction of MLA Achumbemo Kikon of the 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency, did not participate in the inspection. The MLA reportedly instructed the EE not to accompany the NFHRCC team, citing unspecified reasons. This last-minute withdrawal led to the EE sending an official letter of regret for his absence, the press release stated.

The NFHRCC condemned the MLA’s actions, describing them as a violation of democratic norms and a contradiction to the Ministerial roles in the NPWD (R&B). Despite this, the NFHRCC continued with the inspection at Baghty Division. The inspection found that bridge construction at Shanthatchu (Liphi), Jungju (Hayiyan), and Sungkhatchu (Longjung) rivers, carried out by M/S P. Mha-Tum & Co, M/S Quinker Enterprises, and M/S N. Chiso Swu & Sons respectively, was satisfactory. However, concerns were raised about the Jakvantchu River Bridge under M/S Ren Kik_EZJ & Co, where evidence of substandard materials at the base was found.

The Upgradation of Land Cutting Projects under three separate work orders in Baghty Division were also found to be uneven, preventing the committee from making substantial comments on the technical completion of these works at this stage. The committee strongly urged the departmental technical team to conduct joint inspections at these sites as soon as possible and to release running bills for the completed bridge works.

The NFHRCC further expressed concern about the political interference, stating that the actions of the MLA impeded the department’s ability to carry out transparent and effective inspections. The committee called on the concerned department to clarify the situation and uphold democratic and ethical practices in the completion of the project.

Despite these setbacks, the NFHRCC commended the efforts of various community organizations, including the Ao Senden, Langpangkong Road Coordination Committee, Kuki Inpi, Zeliang Peoples Organization (ZPO), Yanmhon Area Public Organizations (YAPO), and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH).

The NFHRCC also urged the NPWD (R&B) to respect and adhere to the joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on March 5, 2025, and to ensure that all contractors, including those who have yet to sign the MOU, commence work in their designated areas immediately.

The committee emphasized that running bills should be released based on performance assessments after joint verification, without bias or prejudice, in order to maintain the integrity of the project and ensure its timely completion.