Wokha's Airfield colony road deterioration sparks frustration

WOKHA — A stretch of road at Airfield colony, Wokha town, is in a deteriorating condition, causing daily hardships for students, teachers, and the general public.

Commuters struggle to cross the road stretch, especially during heavy rains, as the lack of proper drainage causes waterlogging, with knee-deep water accumulating in the middle of the stretch.

This stretch forms part of the vital Wokha–Bokajan road, a lifeline for many travellers and nearby villages. The stretch has been reportedly left neglected for over two decades.

According to Airfield colony chairman, Nzio Mozhui, the colony council, along with Ward 3 councillor W Myingthungo Kikon, took the initiative of filling the damaged stretch with 12 truckloads of boulders.

However, due to the absence of a proper drainage system, waterlogging continues, disrupting public movement every day.

The flooded water cannot drain downhill because houses below the road would be at risk of flooding and damage, causing inconvenience to residents.

On the other hand, constructing drainage is also problematic due to the risk of landslides from soil disturbance.

Mozhui stated that despite approaching the relevant department and district administration, no concrete action has been taken yet.

Read more Wokha news: Wokha citizens restore hospital road access

Four convicted for hunting, torturing Hornbill bird in Wokha district

Students walking to school face daily hardships, with many forced to remove their shoes to wade through the water or being carried by parents, as not all can afford vehicle.

Students complain that heavy rains flood the area, making it almost impassable. Passing vehicles splash water on them, leaving them to attend classes in soggy, dirty uniforms.

Parents, teachers, and community members expressed frustration over the daily struggle to help students navigate the flooded road. Vehicle owners also complain about the damage and visibility issues caused by the water. Some kindly offer students rides to alleviate their difficulties.

“As long as nothing concrete is done, this road will remain the same and continue to burden the public,” said one concerned vehicle owner.

Councillor W Myingthungo Kikon stated that, despite repeated efforts to maintain the road, the lack of a drainage system has made waterlogging an ongoing issue.

He recalled that the situation worsened over the years as new houses were constructed along the stretch, blocking natural water passages and further complicating drainage system.

Despite repeated requests, no action plan has been initiated by the concerned department or district administration to address this issue, Kikon said.

He urged the authorities to take up the matter urgently and devise a solution that would benefit the general public.

A concerned local leader added that while the colony council, councillor, and residents have done their best, including filling the road with boulders, they cannot solve the larger problem without government intervention.

“If there is any issue of land encroachment or technical challenges, the district administration must step in. It is now the duty of the concerned department and the district administration to urgently find a practical solution that does not harm anyone’s property but ensures the welfare of students, parents, and the public at large,” he added.