Ao Senden Open Letter to Chief Minister of Nagaland

To,

The Hon’ble Chief Minister,

Nagaland : Kohima.

Sub:        On Realignment of Mariani-Mokokchung Road (NH-702D)

Sir,

The Ao Senden would like to put forward our opinion and position on the subject cited above with the hope and belief that you will understand the reality of the situation and intervene, with all your wisdom, on the proposed realignment of the said highway in the larger interest of the citizens of Nagaland.

That, Sir, Mariani-Mokokchung Road (NH-702D) is the second busiest highway in Nagaland after the Kohima-Dimapur Road (NH-29). It is the lifeline of at least five districts of Nagaland, including Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Noklak and parts of Wokha and Shamator districts.

That, Sir, it is learnt from reliable source that the PWD (National Highways) department, Government of Nagaland has prepared Five Options for realignment of the said Highway at 66.00 Km Chungtiayimsen to Longjongkong (New Camp) on chainage 30.00 Km, which presently measures a length of 36 Kms.

That Sir, the Ao Senden is of the opinion that:

1. National Highways connecting major cities from point to point and Feeder roads to other locations such as villages etc. from such highways are different in nature. Modern National Highways and feeder roads therefore needs to be taken under separate approaches in concept and implementation.
2. For economic efficiency and ease of trade & commerce, the world over, major highways and National Highways are aligned and constructed through the shortest possible distance between two points, at times even avoiding major towns and human habitation to reduce congestion and traffic jams.
3. In case of Mokokchung District, and Nagaland in general, during the past decades, each road was generally in the category of “feeder roads” where every habitation or village wished to be connected.
4. However, with the new 2-­‐lane National Highways now, we need a paradigm shift towards the modern approach of speed and efficiency.
5. Each National Highway should be aligned through the shortest possible distance, and which will be the most efficient.
6. Villages and other habitations should be connected through a good network of feeder roads, to and from the National Highways.

In view of the above considerations, Ao Senden resolves the following for alignment and construction of National Highway702(D);

1. The existing highway is having long detours, cannot be widened to 2-lane in several locations due to steep gradient etc.
2. That it should be realigned as per Option – IV (Watiyim-­Longjemdang-­Mangkolemba-­Khar-­Longjongkong) Survey Report recommended by PWD (NH) to the State Government. The Option – IV shall reduce the existing85 kms by at least 10 kms which is quite a lot.
3. This option meets the standard and specifications of National Highways.
4. The above will also meet the criteria of the shortest route, most economical and efficiency of National Highways.

Therefore,  basing on the above considerations we demand the government to obtain NOC for the option-4.

Sir, the proposed realignment of the said Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of this part of Nagaland and it should not be squandered. We put our trust on your astute leadership, and we pray that you will intervene on the matter and ensure that the wisest decision is taken, because this highway will remain the lifeline of the people of this part of Nagaland till the end of time.

Thanking you in anticipation of your prompt action.

Yours faithfully,

(Chubawati Longchar), President

(Imtipokyim), Gen. Secretary