Temjen Anichar
DIMAPUR, MARCH 25
THE first phase of fresh cutting for the Foothill Road has been almost completed in the two sectors of Wokha and Mokokchung. The combined distance from the two sectors that needs fresh cutting comes to around 66 kms, in the first phase.
In Longtho sector, under Mokokchung, the fresh cutting along the 3.7 kms stretch has been completed. Work order for the next phase of fresh cutting is yet to be issued because the election code of conduct is in force now in Nagaland.In Wokha sector, 80% of the works has been finished along the 35 kms stretch which is being carried out by contactor P Imty Ao. Latest by April first week, the whole 35 kms is expected to be completed.
The rest 27 kms, out of the total 62 kms in Wokha sector, falls under the “unauthorized works” category. This particular stretch, some local contractors have taken it upon themselves to carry out fresh cutting activities without any work order(s).
The cost of first phase fresh cutting in Wokha sector is estimated to be around Rs 17 crores. The state government has already sanctioned Rs 40 crores to bear the cost of the entire first phase activities.
The Nagaland Foothill Coordination Committee on Tuesday, for the umpteenth time, made its stand clear that it would not “honor” any subletting of contact works done without the Committee’s knowledge and consent.
The central idea, and the rationale behind the NFHRCC’s stance, is that the Foothill road is an “extraordinary project.”
On March 14 last the NFHRCC members met the Home Minister G Kaito Aye and the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on March 20 last, to communicate their displeasure over the “unauthorized works” that continue and to ask them to stop the same.
Even as the NFHRCC waits for the two top political figures of the state to crack their whips, the status over the 27 kms remains unsolved and contentious. It could not be ascertained as to how much construction works has been done in the 27 kms stretch.
On Tuesday morning, NFHRCC members traveled from Dimapur to two villages that come under the Foothill road map, Mekirang and Liphi. The purpose of the visit was to inject a “moral boost” among the villagers, according to NFHRCC officials.
The villagers were reminded that “for the extraordinary project to be achieved, they must put in extraordinary effort, shoulder extraordinary responsibilities and accept extraordinary blames.”
Elders and council members of the villages assured the NFHRCC members that they fully stand behind the Committee and that they would not allow any third forces to jeopardize the Foothill road.
In return, the villagers asked, just ensure us good workmanship and speedy completion of the road.
