On September 20, a joint inspection by the Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) and the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) exposed the dire state of NH-29 between the Chathe River Bridge and New Chümoukedima. The findings were nothing short of alarming, with only six workers on site, a number woefully inadequate for the scale of the project.
CYO President Seyieneilhou Keyho and General Secretary Visielhoulie Kuotsu expressed deep dissatisfaction in a press statement, highlighting the slow pace and subpar quality of the work. The lack of manpower and poor workmanship have led to significant delays, forcing the public to take the arduous uphill bypass road via New Chümoukedima.
The CYO had previously submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nagaland in 2021, pointing out the lack of quality workmanship and urging immediate government intervention. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears as authorities proceeded with widening the road using only earth fill, neglecting the crucial construction of a robust RCC retaining wall along the riverside. This oversight has resulted in substantial portions of the road being washed away during the monsoon season.
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The organisation’s frustration is palpable, given that their previous representation was ignored. They are now demanding to know the status of the FIR filed against the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) by the state government. The CYO is calling for non-bailable arrest warrants to be issued against NHIDCL and for them to be prosecuted under relevant provisions of the law.
To mitigate the current situation, the CYO has appealed to the district administration to allow all vehicles to ply through the narrow stretch of the road (landslide area) at NH-29, with the assistance of traffic police personnel. The organisation has also offered to assist traffic personnel in managing the road to ensure free movement of vehicles from both sides.
Given the current pace, the completion of the road is expected to take another 5-6 months. The CYO has directed the concerned authorities to deploy additional manpower and machinery to expedite the restoration work.
