Road unrepaired for over three decades in a corner of Dimapur

September 17, 2024 6 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 17

On the east side of Dimapur lies Darogajan, a majority Kachari/Dimasa village established in 1890.

Like many villages in Nagaland, the road condition in Darogajan, reportedly unrepaired for over three decades is deplorable, strewn with innumerable potholes and uneven surfaces from years of neglect.

The road condition begins to worsen from the outer gates of Zion Hospital and continues to be problematic for about 5 kilometres, according to the villagers.

“This road has not been repaired since 1991,” claimed Brojeswar Langthasa, Head Gaonbura (GB) of Darogajan.

The GB mentioned that the road not only connects to other adjoining villages but also acts as a vital link for Niuland district and Assam. Further up the road is also situated the New Naga Cemetery.

“We have time and again reminded elected representatives about the deplorable condition of the road,” PM Thaosen, Darogajan’s Village Council Chairman (VCC), commented.

The village falls under Dimapur III Assembly constituency, currently represented by Hekani Jakhalu.

Among the first two women candidates to be elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2023, she had campaigned on promises to make Dimapur III a model constituency and uplift minority communities, among other issues.

Post-election, the ground realities paint the same picture of prolonged neglect and lack of development.

However, Thaosen pointed out that the fault not only lies with their representative, but the people are also to be equally blamed for the condition under which they live. “During elections, a lot of public leaders approach the candidates asking for money,” he observed.

“They (candidates) are spending more than Rs 40-50 crores to win an election,” he added. According to the chairman, Darogajan has about 500 registered households.

Due to this predicament, he believes that during the short five-year term, it is nearly impossible to foresee the desired transformative change. “The public needs to be honest with themselves on this aspect.”

As the VCC, Thaosen professed that he has not received or taken money from any of the candidates, adding: “I simply said, the only promise I want is development.”

However, the consequence is equally felt by all those who have to traverse the unrepaired road, and discussion with villagers suggests a precautionary tale of “selling votes” during election.

He explained that school children also suffer greatly, especially during the rainy season.

Some have to walk barefoot while going to school due to accumulation of muddy waters on the road, he shared.

In addition, dust kicked during dry days by moving vehicles, particularly by visitors to the nearby private hospital, attending burials posing an additional health risk to residents during dry days.

“The council has no funds at the moment, but we are hoping that something will be done soon,” the VCC conveyed, stressing that “to the best of her ability,” the elected representative had given her “word of commitment.”