Dimapur, April 22 (EMN): The Naga Tribal Union Chumoukedima Town has asked contractors engaged in the four-lane project between Dimapur and Chumoukedima town to ‘check the dust pollution’ which threatens the health of the residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the union urged the contractors concerned to “please adhere to their contract schedule where certain percentage out of total cost project also must be reserved for proper and constant mechanism like spraying water in the working areas.”
It stated that the “predicaments of those living along the road are becoming more and more vulnerable due to non-treatment of dust pollution.” If left unchecked, the union warned, it would be “compelled to restrain the further progress of the ongoing work in the populated stretches.”
According to the union, ‘prolonged carelessness’ on the contractors’ part may result in health problems. In such an eventuality, the union stated, it would be compelled “to take you to task for medical treatment and other related compensations.”
The union urged the district administration to issue proper advisory to the contractors or firms on this matter.
“The NTUCT express its gratitude and thanks to the DC Dimapur and ADC Medziphema for having promptly issued the order for immediate stoppage of river bed mining; however, the order was not honoured and implemented by those businessmen. We therefore request them once again to personally verify particularly areas near a) Chathe prayer centre and above b) downstream of river Dzumha bridge (below Sirhima Kuki Village area),” it stated.
Unrestrained riverbed mining continually muddies the river and the spillage of lubricants and oils from the big and heavy machineries is a cause of great concern, especially to those living downstream, the union stated.
