DIMAPUR — The Ao Senden has served 30 days ultimatum to the state government to repair the National Highway (NH)-61 between VK Town and Doyang and warned to initiate its own course of action as deemed befitting if it fails to address the issue within the stipulated time.
The resolution to this effect was taken during the meeting of Ao Senden Luden held on October 24.
In a representation to the deputy chief minister of Planning and Transformation and National Highway, Ao Senden apprised that VK Town-Doyang stretch of NH-61 falls within the jurisdiction of the district administration of Zunheboto and also serves as the only direct link between Mokokchung district and Kohima.
“It is practically impossible to make a detour of the riverbed of National Highway 61 to reach Kohima. The people of Mokokchung are the worst affected due to the pathetic condition of this National Highway,” the Ao Senden statement said.
It added that the Mokokchung-Mariani (NH 702D) and Mokokchung-Amguri (NH 61) roads are currently not pliable for light vehicles.
“This road remains the only alternative for both the people of Mokokchung and a number of eastern districts, not only for official and personal purposes but also for patients meeting advanced medical treatment. However, this National Highway is becoming unfit for travel, causing immense hardship to the people. It has been a long-standing need of the affected citizens to have a reliable and unhindered road, an aspiration that has persisted for more than a decade,” it added.
It mentioned that the responsible officials, expected to exemplify good governance and oversee timely project implementation for public welfare, have failed to administer and execute the development due to lackadaisical attitude and self-interest. It went on to allege that the neglect has led to the current predicament.
It, therefore, implored the government of the day has to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the lapses.
In light of the above stated circumstances, Ao Senden has appealed to urgently initiate repairing of the road within 30 days as a contingency measure and to expedite the two-lane project without further delay.
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