A rockslide injured four occupants of a vehicle on Pagala Pahar stretch of National Highway-29 last week, exactly a year after a similar incident killed two persons and injured three others in the same vicinity. It was a stark reminder of negligence, ineptitude and laxity on the part of implementing agencies, particularly the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The much-awaited, hyped and delayed four-lane road that is supposed to boost the economic activities of Nagaland as well as the neighbouring states, especially Manipur, by cutting the travel time between Dimapur and Kohima and ensuring a safe travel experience for commuters has become a killer zone, a road many fear to tread. Frequent rockslides along the stretch show that all is not well, despite promises made by the implementing agencies to take up preventive measures. The four-lane road has been reduced to a two-way at several stretches since last year, owing to the risk posed by falling stones even during the dry season. This vulnerability has left thousands of commuters, who take the road every day, at their wits’ end, and yet the concerned authorities seem to be unconcerned. The authorities should address the issue with urgency, as people are left with no viable alternate route but to take this lifeline of the state, risking their lives.
Since the government of Nagaland has no control over the ambitious central project, the ball is in the court of the NHIDCL, which is directly under the supervision of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It’s a pity that the agency has failed to take visible corrective measures despite repeated reminders and pressure from the state government. Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who is also in-charge of National Highways, is said to have met with the Executive Director of NHIDCL, RP Singh, following the fresh rockslide last week to discuss both short-term and long-term safety measures, as well as quality control of the NH-29. The official had reportedly assured to expedite safety measures and prioritise timely completion of the project without compromising quality. This is a welcome development, unlike last year, when the NHIDCL officials resorted to blame games, dubbing the tragic incident a natural calamity. This time, the implementing agency should put their words into action and avert man-made tragedies. The workmanship of NHIDCL will play a vital role in enhancing connectivity in the state, as dozens of projects are said to have been awarded to it. Considering the difficult terrain, special focus should be given to bench cutting and breast walls, especially in landslide-prone areas. We can’t play with the lives of people.