Dimapur, Dec. 7 (EMN): After drawing flak from Medziphema residents recently, the ECI construction firm—involved in the Kohima-Dimapur four-lane project—has now attracted the ire of Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC).
In a press release issued on Saturday, the council expressed 'extreme displeasure' at the firm for disregarding all ethics in carrying out their ongoing works.
“The arrogance and irresponsibility displayed by a reputed company such as ECI comes as a shock since multiple requests has been made by CVC not to dump debris and loose soil in the Chathe River as by doing so it pollutes the river and adversely impacts the public primarily dependent on the river as their only water source.
“Apparently the humble pleas of the village council has been completely ignored by the company and the erratic manner in which the works are being carried out has caused irreparable damages on the Chathe River, it has become a matter of grave concern that in some areas the river has been completely blocked by debris and boulders, and are at risk of causing flash floods and landslides. And if such a catastrophe shall befall, ECI shall be held solely responsible for all damages,” read the statement.
According to the council, it had even written to the deputy commissioner requesting for an order banning the dumping of earth cutting/loose soil in Chathe River, but the matter has fallen on deaf ears.
“CVC has taken strong exception of the matter and will not allow rash and irresponsible works that deface the environment and put the lives of people at risks in its jurisdiction. In spite of its disapproval, the CVC has been very patient in the past by trying to reason with ECI but it appears that the benevolence of our people has been written off for something else.
“CVC cautions the ECI to put their acts together and immediately discontinue with their deplorable activities, lest the unethical activities compels the village council to take drastic measures to protect its land from defacement," it stated.
In a separate press release, the Chümoukedima Area GB’s Union has appealed to the contractors and department concerned to “seriously think over” the road condition from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima and “do the necessary at the earliest”.
It also cautioned anyone from selling liquor along the highway.