Advisor for Transport and Technical Education, Nagaland, Temjenmenba visited NH-702D for spot verification and inspection of the ongoing work progress of the deteriorating road condition on Saturday, an official report received here said.
During the inspection, the Advisor shared his concern about the deplorable condition of the road since NH-702D is “the only lifeline connectivity for the five districts of Nagaland namely Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng, Noklak and some surrounding areas of Wokha and Shamator districts.”
“I have come today to personally inspect and experience the condition of the road and to highlight the grievances to the higher authority. I, along with the Deputy Commissioner, am concerned about the situation as this is the only lifeline connectivity for the district of Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Tuensang and Noklak,” he added.
The Advisor also stated that the district administration may take assurance of the neighboring villagers of their voluntary services in order to share the burden and find a way forward together for the benefit and welfare of all concerned, the report said.
The Advisor also thanked the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung for his “constant sacrifice and his administrative acumen for managing the situation despite the hurdles at hand.” He also thanked the Executive Engineer (NH), Mokokchung Division and Changki village for always lending a hand to the concerned authority.
He also requested SDPO, Mangkolemba Circle to strictly implement the standing order of the Deputy Commissioner to restrict heavy duty vehicles from plying the said highway for two months until the road is made temporarily motorable so that the flow of essential commodities for the people of the five districts is not affected.
The Advisor was accompanied by Thsievisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, SDO (C), SDO (PWD-NH), SDPO Mangkolemba, Village Council, Changki and NDPP Mokokchung Region party officials.
It may be mentioned here that several villages situated along the route have earlier on 4 July issued an ultimatum to the concerned authorities, demanding immediate repair and maintenance of NH 702D Mariani-Mokokchung Road. According to the villagers, the road has been neglected for the past 15 years and has deteriorated to such an extent that it is becoming increasingly difficult for vehicles to traverse the stretch between Tzurang River and New Camp.
The ultimatum, which was jointly issued by the Village Councils of Chungliyimsen, Japu, Satsukba, Azuphumi, Merayim, and Changki, as well as the Convenor of AWC Association Mangkolemba and Lendimenba, the convenor of all concerned villages, called for immediate repair works to be carried out within 15 days from the date of issuing the ultimatum.
The villagers had further cautioned that failure to address their demands will result in a ban on vehicles from using the road.