As rains return, Mokokchung citizens wary of deteriorating New Market road

Well ahead of the monsoon season, citizens of Mokokchung have already begun to grow wary of the New Market stretch of the town’s arterial road, which is once again deteriorating despite previous repair efforts. The road, running from Rotary Junction to the IOC intersection, was temporarily patched in September 2024 under an initiative by the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) in collaboration with the district administration and the Urban Development Department. However, the patchwork repairs have not held up, and concerns over worsening conditions are mounting.

When asked about discussions with the department during last year’s repairs, OKM President Tongpangmayang told MT that the department had assured them an update would be provided by the dry season.

“At that time, the department said it would take the issue to higher authorities,” he recalled. However, no progress has been reported so far.

Although OKM did not issue a formal representation or ultimatum, the matter was discussed in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner.

With the road worsening ahead of the rainy season, OKM is set to hold an executive meeting by March 20 to discuss further action.

This stretch of road has been neglected for years, despite being a key artery connecting highly congested areas like New Market and Milak Junction before merging with NH-702D at the IOC intersection. In May 2024, five ward authorities of Mokokchung Town submitted a plea to the Director of the Urban Development Department in Kohima, requesting special sanction for repairs.

Despite being placed on a ‘priority list,’ the road has yet to receive approval for maintenance.

Since 2022, the Kumlong Ward & IOC Taxi Union has stepped in twice to patch up the potholes, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

The area around the IOC intersection, where the boundaries of Aongza, Kumlong, Yimyu, and Kichutip wards converge, is fast becoming a major commercial hub. Apart from NH-2, which runs through the heart of Mokokchung, this road—along with Hospital Road—is one of the town’s most crucial routes.

Yet, with no official response and another monsoon season looming, residents are left wondering: Will the Urban Development Department act before another monsoon takes its toll?

MT