Dear Madam
In connection and support to the write up of Sir. Z. Lohe, Adviser to the Chief Minister and former Minister 16th June, 2014, I would like to put forward a few questions to BRO whose job it is to take up the repair and maintenance work of NH 29 specially between Dimapur and Kohima. It is known by all that the condition of the roads from Numaligarh to Dimapur and that from Mao gate to Imphal –roads which are frequented often, remain in a good state. However, in the said sector maintained by the BRO, the same cannot be said which is a shame. We find that the potholes in black topped areas are being filled with ordinary earth. A wonderful combination the likes of which I have never seen anywhere in the world. Come rain or wind the earth is washed or blown away from the potholes leaving the roads in the earlier unrepaired condition again. I enclose with this letter a few photos taken recently from the place which is attached for publication in your esteemed papers.
Over the years following observations have been made:
1. At certain locations the road has remained unattended for decades. For instance the roads near the Lalmati land slide area and between Piphema and Pherima have not been attended to for more than 15 years. It is alarming to note that in some areas the potholes are as deep as 20 to 25 centimetres, something which causes real damage to vehicles– the ground clearance for most light ground vehicles is limited to 20cm, causing even trucks difficulty in navigating over these areas. Black topping in these areas is done directly over ordinary soling without any main and sub-grade soling and metalling with different grades of stone chips which is why the repaired roads do not last for even 2 months. The quality of such roads is questionable at the least and it has been duly noted that the black topping done by the BRO does not last for more than 3 months. For example, though black topping was done afresh at the new steel bridge site near Lalmati, it could be seen that within two months of this work, the surface levelling of the roads became irregular and because of this “irregular” levelling of the road near its entrance, vehicles bump heavily at both the entrance as well as exit inconveniencing many as well as causing damage to the vehicles. If there is any Civil Engineer in BRO, their involvement in the matter is questionable.
2. I have also noticed over the years, the curves of the roads from Kohima to Dimapur, many which could have been improved thereby ameliorating the drivability condition of the vehicles. One finds the usage of sub-grade sand and stone chips at the work sites. Citing few examples, construction of culverts which is supposed to take 2 months takes at least 6 months leaving the problems of the common man at their mercy.
3. It has also been observed in almost all the roads, as I have travelled all over the state including neighbouring states, that the maintenance work is pathetic – there is no deployment of labourers anywhere. In the 74km stretch from Kohima to Dimapur, sometimes one does not find even a single labourer! There is a saying”Even the blind will know that they have entered Nagaland” due to the bumpy rides. For reasons unexplainable the BRO only repairs the roads multiple times in areas where it is in good condition but leaves the worst portion stagnant for decades. If the maintenance of this 74km stretch by the BRO is so pitiable then it is advised that they hand the task to the NPWD, who, if handed even 75% of the funds provided to the former will do much better.
4. The State government has every right to monitor the works as per the fund allotted to them.
5. It is time to observe the following:
a. Periodical maintenance.
b. Quality of materials and workmanship.
c. Time for completion of each activities.
