Mokokchung, September 20 (MTNews): The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) have appealed to the Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (National Highways), for immediate repair and vegetation clearance of National Highway 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung.
In a representation to the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, a copy of which was made available to this newspaper, the ZCCI on behalf of the aggrieved citizens of Zunheboto district wrote that the deplorable and pathetic condition of NH 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung connects Zunheboto and Mariani, Jorhat and other places of Assam via Mokokchung, through which it said 90 percent of essential commodities are transported on a daily basis.
ZCCI said that the road is the lifeline for the district as there are no alternate routes and stated that the poor condition of the road “brings a big question mark on the sincerity of the department concerned” as it failed to meet the fundamental needs of the citizens.
The condition of the road is ‘unpliable’ at present with “infinite massive potholes waterlogged due to the absence of drainage systems; thereby posing a great threat to life, property, economy and wellbeing of the people,” ZCCI wrote.
The deplorable condition of this road is proving to be costly, leading to wastage of fuel and inflicting damages on vehicles burning the pockets of the citizens of Zunheboto district, it said. ZCCI also said that there have been several instances of vehicular accidents due to the poor state of the road and that people are compelled to commute as there is no other option “in spite of being put under a deathtrap.”
ZCCI also reasoned that the bad road condition contributes to rise in transportation costs which lead to escalation of prices of essential commodities. “The deplorable roads adversely affect the economic growth and development of both the business community and consumers. The ZCCI believes that the department will understand the pain the citizens are going through,” it added.
In this regard, ZCCI appealed to the authority to take cognizance of this urgent matter of public interest and promptly initiate appropriate measures on an urgent basis so that National Highway 702 is made motorable at the earliest. “In case, the concerned department fails to take immediate measures, the ZCCI shall be compelled to take up further course of action to salvage the citizen from the bondage,” it cautioned.
‘… may amount to criminal negligence on part of PWD (NH)’
Meanwhile, the Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Bhanudas Mali forwarded the ZCCI’s representation to the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH) Kohima with a covering letter stating that NH 702 is the lifeline for Zunheboto district for movement of essential commodities. “It is the observation of this office that over a period of time, this important road is neglected and minor repairs undertaken are found inadequate,” the DC wrote.
The DC also wrote that the present condition of the road is such that potholes are 2-3 feet deep that even trucks and large vehicles with high ground clearance find it difficult to ply and that the average public with small vehicles are forced to travel out of necessity with constant vehicle damage and accidents.
Saying that the matter is forwarded for immediate remedial action, the DC stated that if the road is not repaired and vegetation cleared, then deaths and injuries due to vehicular accidents because of the deplorable road condition may amount to criminal negligence on the part of PWD (NH) and its officers, inviting action as per provision of laws.