Wokha legislators urge Union Minister Jitendra Singh to address road, infrastructure, and human-elephant conflict issues.
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DIMAPUR — Legislators from the four constituencies of Wokha district submitted a joint representation to Union Minister of State (MoS) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, during his maiden visit to the district on Monday.
The representation was handed over during an interactive session held at the 24 Assam Rifles camp in Wokha, according to a DIPR update.
The legislators—Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, MLA and SDPDB Chairman Achumbemo Kikon and MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe—highlighted infrastructure and connectivity issues affecting the district.
Emphasising that the Wokha–Merapani–Golaghat road is a crucial trade and transportation corridor between Nagaland and Assam, the legislators stated that the route should be declared a National Highway.
“This route is crucial for trade, transportation and access to essential services for our communities. Despite its importance, the road currently faces numerous challenges, including inadequate maintenance and infrastructure development,” the representation stated.
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The legislators reasoned that upgrading its status would bring much-needed infrastructural attention and improve transport and economic prospects for communities along the route. They requested the minister to take up the matter with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
They also called for urgent upgrade of the Wokha–Bokajan road which serves as a ‘lifeline’ not only for Wokha district but also for eight other districts in Nagaland.
Citing widespread land erosion and poor road conditions, the representation underscored the importance of this route as the shortest road link between Wokha and Dimapur.
Another pressing need, the legislators stated, is comprehensive infrastructure development such as a district office complex, multipurpose market complex, stadium, and improved approach roads, in Wokha district headquarters. With the town serving as the headquarters for the Lotha tribe, which has a population of over 1.6 lakh as per the 2011 Census, the elected representstives argued that upgraded infrastructure would significantly improve quality of life and stimulate economic growth.
Further, the legislators raised the growing issue of human-elephant conflict in Wokha and other districts of Nagaland, which has led to frequent crop destruction and property damage, posing risks to both residents and wildlife.
They requested the government of India to formulate a comprehensive policy and allocate a special package specifically for the state to address the escalating conflict and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.