Since its inception Nagaland had its share of troubles be it the influx of deviant groups from the bordering Myanmar or be it the intermittent scuffle between various tribes/groups ubiquitous across the length and breadth of Nagaland. Still one problem, which has been omnipresent, is the poor road condition.
Nagaland being a hilly region with little or no rail connectivity, roads assumes importance for connectivity and for transportation to facilitate trade and commerce. It is not wrong to say that prosperity and economic development lies on the strength of the roads. It is a symbol of the movement of society. And in Nagaland, roads being the only means available for rural and urban connect, cannot afford such major lapse. Otherwise, the gap will ever remain and so will development, which will only loom over Nagaland without viable results.
The deplorable condition of road is a major concern for Nagas. Traffic gridlocks, pot holes, flying dust are common phenomena on the roads causing problems for daily commuters, drivers and even pedestrians. It is a common practice wherein road construction is carried out perfunctorily by the PWD contractors by simply carpeting roads with loose black gravel without paying any heed to provide strength to the lower lying levels. Potholes are patched up in an uneven fashion by pouring different sized pebbles on it, over which thick layer of mud is strewn followed by a road roller run to level it with the existing road. In no time with every downpour the mud washes away leaving behind a thick muck of muddy sludge on the road, adding more woes in people’s life. Additionally, this decrepit road condition is responsible for high vehicle maintenance cost, high consumption of fuel, excessive tyre puncture, axle and suspension failure as well, which is enough to showcase the wanton disregard of public administration towards providing basic amenities.
Despite regular notification to the State Government, the concern authority has still not woken to this grave issue, which shows that the Nagaland Government is being run by time serving delinquent politicians who do not even feel guilty for their dereliction of duties.
It is time for Nagaland State government to rise and shine from slumber and do something tangible to improve the condition of the road and give to the people of Nagaland one less thing to worry about. It is also imperative for all sections of society to involve selflessly and start contributing for common good.
Khumlamo Patton
