[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Highway-29 linking the State Capital Kohima from Dimapur is the life line of part of the State. Each road is important and yet the 74km distance of this highway under BRO is the most important road. Whereas, maintenance of this road is found pathetic over the years.From time to time concerned citizens write about the pathetic condition and the negligence of the BRO manning this road. Some writers sarcastically compare the potholes all over the stretch of the highway to that of fishery pond. Indeed, there are deep potholes at several locations causing acute inconveniences specially to smaller cars for over a year now. There are portions of only metalling and soiling for years together without further improvement. Few heavily loaded trucks collapsed at one sharp turning near Tourism Deptt.’s Wayside hotel in Pherima area during this year itself as those trucks could not negotiate. And yet, BRO has no botheration to improve it in any manner at all. There are numerous sharp curves which require widening. It may not be done at one go, but the Organisation could have removed those curves steadily so as to shorten the distance. To my layman’s observation there may be potentiality to shorten the 74 km distance if the Govt. has interest to survey between Priphema and Dimapur, and we know what can be the immense benefit people will get in the long run. Despite somebody in power gave clean chit to BRO praising their workmanship on the repair of few kilometres in Dimapur area a few months back.
The hope of converting the existing double lane to 4 lane was raised in 2003 when the then PM Vajpayi promised to grant Rs.400 crores. The same was granted to Meghalaya for 4 lane from Guwahati to Shillong and 50% of it has been completed now. Whereas, the same project of Dimapur-Kohima became a damp squib perhaps with beautiful excuses.
The people of Nagaland silently suffer. We are in the 52nd year of our Statehood and yet we have not enjoyed a single good road. The so called powerful NGOs have no concern to voice for our basic needs. The Churches prefer to remain in the gallery as mute spectator. Except Nagaland BJP the other political parties opted for back seat for reasons known to them. Now, BJP is ruling in the country and its branch here may not like to reiterate how BRO was pulled up in January 2014 by them. Had this been in other developed States, people will not allow the BRO and the Govt. to sleep till their road, such a lifeline, is improved.
What has actually emboldened the BRO to remain a hard nut to crack and totally ignored the cry of the public? With what brazen face the organisation is taking public for a ride? How long will they keep the un-pliable portions neglected for months/years together?
-Z. Lohe
