Dimapur, April 29 (EMN): Expounding on the importance of road and bridges connectivity for progress and development to take place in all corners of the state, Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of PWD (R&B) department, Y Patton, has urged the central government to take up the projects of those which detail project reports (DPRs) have already been submitted earlier.
Patton stated this during a national video conferencing on transport and road construction sectors with the union minister of MORT&H, Nitin Gadkari, on April 28. Patton has thanked the union minister for declaring five national highways in the state during the last tenure, in which he was also in-charge of the same ministry.
A press release from the Deputy CMO office stated that Patton had also pointed out the various technical and physical problems faced by the road development sector in the state. Like many of the states that has hilly terrain, Patton stated that road projects are either stalled or having slow progress.
With only 6-7 favourable months for construction and repair of roads in Nagaland, Patton pointed out that frequent landslides on the highways makes it difficult for projects to be completed on time.
Since Nagaland is Covid-19 free state, Patton informed that developmental works have resumed since April 11 keeping in mind the advisories and directives issued by the government. He, however, pointed out that shortage of materials like cement, rod and bitumen, which have to be imported from other states, has hampered its progress.
Patton was joined by advisor of NH and T&A, Dr. Longrineken, Commissioner and Secretary of NH Rovilatuo Mor, CE National Highways K Theunuo and CE PWD (R&B) Limanaro.
In another programme, Patton extended help to the people of Noklak village under Tuensang district by sending essential commodities including rice, dal, potatoes, onions and mustard oil sufficient enough to reach every household.
It may be mentioned that on March 13, Patton had officially declared to adopt Noklak village in line with the Prime minister Narendra Modi's call to the MPs to adopt a village each in their constituencies.
Patton also conveyed a message urging the people to adhere to the guidelines and advisories of the government such as social distancing, maintaining personal hygiene and not to be taken away by rumours and fake news during this difficult times.
The relief package was handed over to local MLA and advisor of Prisons and Printing and Stationery, H Haying, in the presence of state BJP president and minister of Higher and Technical Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along.