NH-29: Riverbank expansion needed to prevent erosion, NHIDCL tells Court

November 28, 2024 3 Views No Comment

HC Kohima Bench Issues series of directions on Dimapur-Kohima four-lane project

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | November 28

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) informed the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) today that riverbank expansion is required to prevent further erosion of the road in the Pagla Pahar stretch of National Highway-29, where the Chathe River has been washing away parts of the highway.

NHIDCL further submitted that it has written to the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima, requesting land acquisition for the riverbank expansion and to carry out hill-cutting work.

While hearing the suo motu PIL concerning the construction of the Kohima-Dimapur four-lane section of NH-29, the Additional Advocate General (AAG) of Nagaland told the Court that some time was needed to take instructions on the matter.

Accordingly, the GHCKB Division Bench, comprising Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia and Justice Budi Habung, instructed the AAG to update the court on the issue by the next hearing, scheduled for January 22, 2025.

Regarding slope protection measures, the Authority Engineer informed the court that in Package-I, there are 11 locations for rock-netting; in Package-II, there are 6 locations for rock barriers; and in Package-III, there are 16 locations for slope protection.

To this end, the contractor, M/S Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., was directed to file an affidavit outlining the progress of work in these locations and to ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the contract.

The court Clso directed the Nagaland State respondents to black-top the road sections outside Packages I, II, and III on the Dimapur-Kohima road within the next three months.

In the case of a landslide near Pherima Village, the Authority Engineer reported that local residents had objected to NHIDCL’s attempt to clear the debris from the road.

As a result, NHIDCL wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima and the AAG was directed to take instructions on the matter and report back.

Meanwhile, the Amicus Curiae in the PIL raised concerns about road sinking near Dzüdza and emphasised the need for a pile foundation.

The Authority Engineer confirmed that technical advice had already been sought, and the court directed the former to file an affidavit on the steps taken regarding the sinking land and the necessity for a pile foundation for the road construction.

Further, M/S Brand Eagles was ordered to file an affidavit by the next hearing date, detailing when the half-completed Bailey Steel Bridge at Chainage 155 will be finished.

NHIDCL was also instructed to ensure that the roads are properly maintained by contractors for smooth traffic movement and to file an affidavit reporting on the progress of work in all packages.

The next hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2025.