ZCCI seeks immediate repair of NH 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung

September 20, 2022 44 Views No Comment

Zunheboto, September 20 (MExN): In a representation served to the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (National Highways), the Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) appealed for immediate repair and vegetation clearance of National Highway 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung.

In a press release on Monday, the ZCCI on behalf of the aggrieved citizens of Zunheboto district drew attention to the deplorable and pathetic condition of the National Highway 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung. It stated that the road connects Zunheboto and Mariani, Jorhat and other places of Assam via Mokokchung, through which 90 percent of essential commodities are transported on a daily basis.

Stating that the road was a lifeline for the district as there are no alternate routes, it said that the road condition ‘brings a big question mark on the sincerity of the concerned department’ as it failed to meet the fundamental needs of the citizens.

According to the ZCCI, at present, the condition of the road is ‘unpliable’ with ‘infinite massive potholes waterlogged’ due to the absence of drainage systems; thereby posing a great threat to life, property, economy and wellbeing of the people.

The deplorable condition of the road is proving to be costly, leading to wastage of fuel and inflicting damages on vehicles and burning the pockets of the citizens of Zunheboto district, it maintained.

The ZCCI also underscored that several instances of accidents had occurred due to the poor state of the road. In spite of the dangers, people are compelled to commute as there is no other option, it added.

Further, the ZCCI also attributed the bad road conditions to the rise of transportation costs which ultimately lead to escalation of prices of essential commodities. The deplorable roads adversely affect the economic growth and development of both the business community and consumers.

Appealing to the authority to take cognizance of this urgent matter of public interest and promptly initiate appropriate measures on urgent basis, it urged the concerned department to make the NH 702 motorable at the earliest.

The ZCCI believes that the department will understand the pain the citizens are going through, it said, while adding a word of caution that it would be compelled to ‘take further course of action’ in case the department fails to act.

Meanwhile, the release also informed that the Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Bhanudas Mali also forwarded a letter along with the ZCCI’s representation, stating that the route was a lifeline for the district for movement of essential commodities from Assam.

As per the DC office’s observation, this important road is neglected and minor repairs undertaken were found to be inadequate, it said.

As per the release, the DC also wrote that the ‘road condition is such that potholes are 2-3 feet deep that even trucks and large vehicles with high ground clearance finds it difficult to ply.’

The average public with small vehicles are forced to travel out of necessity with constant vehicles damage and accidents.

Seeking immediate remedial actions, the DC’s letter stated that if the road is not repaired and vegetation cleared, the resultant death and injuries due to vehicular accidents may amount to criminal negligence on part of PWD (NH) and its officers, inviting action as per provisions of laws.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/zcci-seeks-immediate-repair-of-nh-702-between-zunheboto-and-mokokchung