Addressing the Persistent NH 702D Crisis

The ongoing truck owners’ strike citing severely poor road conditions is nothing short of a crisis, a persistent and troubling issue in infrastructure management that has kept the people of Mokokchung on tenterhooks for ages. The strike, initiated on July 29 due to worsening road conditions, has severely impacted transportation of essential commodities from Mariani, Amguri, and Jorhat to Mokokchung. This disruption has highlighted not only the deplorable state of NH 702D in particular but also the systemic failures in addressing such critical issues.

Despite an urgent meeting on July 30 with key stakeholders, no satisfactory repairs were made by August 5. This delay reflects a broader issue of ineffective communication and inadequate response mechanisms. The revelation that alternative routes are also unsuitable due to ongoing earthwork and weather conditions further exacerbates the situation. It may be mentioned here that the truckers are not demanding a top-notch blacktopped road at the moment but are simply asking for patching certain stretches of the road, specifically in the Longtho and Longnak areas of NH 702D.

The lack of timely and effective action points to a need for stronger oversight and accountability. Infrastructure maintenance must not be reactive but proactive, with regular assessments and contingency plans in place to address unexpected issues swiftly. Further, transparency in communication is essential; official updates should be readily available to the press and the public to manage expectations and provide clarity on the actions being taken. This is not the first time that the truckers have been made to resort to ceasing operations owing to bad roads.

In light of these issues, it is crucial for the affected community to take collective action. It appears filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) could be an effective means of addressing the systemic failures and ensuring that necessary repairs are conducted promptly. A PIL can compel government bodies to adhere to maintenance schedules and enforce accountability for delays. The time has come for the residents of Mokokchung to demand a reliable and well-maintained road infrastructure. Pursuing legal avenues such as a PIL seem to be the only means to ensure that our concerns are addressed and that such crises are managed more effectively in the future.