State government very upset with NHIDCL: Rio

September 6, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 6

In the aftermath of the tragic September 4 tragic landslide at Pherema area of NH 29 which claimed 6 lives, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio came down heavily on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for their inadequate monsoon preparedness and not adhering to technical specifications during the construction of the highway.

Expressing his utmost dissatisfaction with the NHIDCL while inspecting the damage at Dzüdza in Kohima, Pherima and Pakala Pahar in Chümoukedima on Thursday, Rio told media persons that the State Government was ‘very upset’ and has given deadlines to the construction company to ensure that traffic is open at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also maintained that he had voiced apprehension on the road condition during the monsoon preparedness meeting but nobody said about giving any special attention. Rio said he had earlier warned the NHIDCL on the poor quality of the earth fillings beneath the highway which would be unsafe during rise of water levels.

“Unfortunately, tragedy has happened, precious lives have lost, and many people are also injured. And the hardship of the truckers and the travelers equally,” Rio stated.

While directing the representatives of NHIDCL present during the inspection to expedite restoration of regular vehicular movement, Rio assured that the government will strive to minimize inconvenience to citizens and restore normalcy at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also sought to highlight the seriousness of the government in dealing with the highway road crisis while pointing out that the government has even filed an FIR against the construction company.

Rio claimed that Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a recent meeting, had reportedly told him to issue non-bailable warrant against the NHIDCL officials if they were not doing a good job.

The Chief Minister, meanwhile, informed that his office has written to the Prime Minister’s Office and to MoRTH to provide funding to the state for maintenance of other alternate routes to the state capital. He also informed that the State Government, concerned department and the Managing Director of NHIDCL will have a meeting on September 8 to discuss further steps.