Resolutions adopted at Longtsiri meeting call for open e-tender, 40-ft road width and adherence to approved alignment
The Bhandari & Changpang Area Aggrieved Villages Forum (AFR B&CA) on the Foothills Road project has reaffirmed its earlier demand of “No Foothills Road, No Oil Exploration,” following a general meeting held at Longtsiri village under Bhandari sub-division on February 7.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, representatives of the aggrieved villages adopted several resolutions aimed at drawing the State Government’s immediate attention to issues concerning the ongoing two-lane Nagaland People’s Iconic Foothills Road project.
The Forum reaffirmed its stand on the approved alignment beginning from Longayim village linking the Mangkolemba division in Mokokchung district via Tssori Old/New. It further urged the government to issue the work order for the remaining portion under Baghty division for the second phase of the project on or before March 31, 2026. The demand is based on the alignment approved through the Lotha Hoho representation on the Foothills Road issue submitted to the Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), on June 4, 2024.
The House also cautioned that failure to comply with what it termed as a “legitimate appeal” could compel the public to initiate further stringent measures against the government through democratic means.
On the execution of the project, the Forum strongly urged the concerned department to initiate an open e-tender process and to undertake cutting of a 40-foot-wide road, inclusive of the existing cut portion, which it stated had been donated by affected landowners.
The resolutions were adopted unanimously, and the House expressed continued cooperation and support to the Lotha Hoho and the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) for the remaining phases of the Foothills Road construction. The Forum said the objective was to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in the implementation of the project.
