Kohima, 21 November (MTNews): The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has raised alarm over the lack of proper consultation in the execution of a massive Gas Pipeline Project along National Highway 29. The AYO has expressed concern that the project, undertaken by ‘Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited’ (IGGL), bound for Manipur, is progressing without adequate engagement with stakeholders and landowners.
In a resolution following a meeting with four ranges – SAYO, NAYO, WAYO, and CYO, the AYO informed that they had made a resolution that a mega project of this nature cannot be carried out without educating the public on its merits and demerits.
Citing past incidents of gas pipeline bursts leading to loss of lives and property across the country, the AYO stressed the potential risks, particularly in Nagaland, a seismic zone-V area according to the National Centre for Seismology.
While acknowledging the economic benefits of the gas pipeline, the AYO highlighted that one cannot rule out the negative consequences that may come over the course of time.
“A project such as this will constantly endanger the lives of the people, especially those villages and the populace along the stretch of the NH-29,” the AYO stated.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the NHIDCL’s knowledge of frequent natural calamities along the National Highway, the AYO termed the gas pipeline project “a time-bomb waiting to be triggered at any moment.”
The AYO condemned and questioned the NHIDCL for granting the Right of Way for laying the Gas Pipeline along the National Highway 29 just for the purpose of financial benefits.
“At a time when the Chakhroma Youth Organisation, the apex youth body of one of the four AYO ranges have submitted several representations and press statements, yet the IGGL and the NHIDCL had the audacity to go ahead in continuing their works by transporting the gas pipes to the Western Angami jurisdiction under Kohima district. This itself clearly indicates the irresponsible behavior of the NHIDCL and IGGL towards the public,” it added.
In response to these concerns, the AYO observed that there is a “lackadaisical approach” from the government and the company undertaking the project and strongly feels that the public needs to be educated about the project, particularly the risk and the safety measures it involves.
It was informed that the AYO and all the four ranges have unanimously decided that any work related to the gas pipeline project should be kept suspended within the Angami region “with effect from issuing this press statement.”
The AYO further informed IGGL and NHIDCL to refrain from carrying out any work related to the said project, adding that failure to comply with this notice would be at their own risk.
