The Japukong Students’ Conference (JKM) has appealed to the Nagaland government and concerned departments for the urgent reconstruction of the Milak Bailey Bridge at Yajang ‘C’ and the hanging bridge at Lizo Model Village, both of which were destroyed by heavy rainfall and flooding on July 19.
A team of JKM officials, including executive members and advisors, visited Yajang ‘C’ and Lizo Model Village on August 12 to assess the situation and the difficulties faced by residents following the destruction of the bridges.
Milak Bailey Bridge According to JKM, the Milak Bailey Bridge at Yajang ‘C’ serves as a major access route for students, including those attending Rajeshwari Karuna School (RKS) at Wamaken Valley in Tuli, personnel of the 13 NAP (IR) Battalion at Yajang, daily wage earners, farmers, small business owners and the general public.
The bridge’s destruction has created daily connectivity problems, particularly for students, while farmers and small business owners have been unable to transport their produce, resulting in economic losses. JKM also cited difficulties in accessing medical facilities, food and other essential supplies.
JKM had convened a joint meeting at Yajang ‘C’ involving the Yajang Kiyong Pezü Medemsanger Putu, comprising the village councils of the four Yajang villages, the 13 NAP (IR) Battalion, Yajang, and the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Feeder Roads Division, Tuli. However, representatives of the PWD (R&B) Feeder Roads Division were absent, which JKM said prevented meaningful deliberations and better outcomes.
During the meeting, stakeholders discussed the difficulties faced by affected communities and measures needed to restore connectivity. The village councils also expressed resentment over what they described as negligence and lack of maintenance of the road connecting Yajang ‘A’ to NH-02 (Amguri-Tuli Road).
JKM said the road, which falls under the Tuli Sub-division and serves as a lifeline for several villages and the Japukong Range, had received little attention for many years.
The students’ body urged the government and concerned department, particularly the NPWD (R&B), to reconstruct the Milak Bailey Bridge at the earliest. It noted that the bridge is also part of the Nagaland Foothill Road, making its restoration important beyond Yajang village and the Japukong community.
JKM also urged the PWD (R&B) Feeder Roads Division, Tuli, to take prompt action to maintain the Yajang ‘A’-NH-02 road.
Lizo Model Village hanging bridge
The hanging bridge at Lizo Model Village was also destroyed by the July 19 flood following heavy rainfall. JKM said the bridge served as the village’s main connectivity route and its destruction has severely affected the movement of people and essential goods.
Residents are facing difficulties in accessing basic necessities and medical facilities, particularly during emergencies. JKM cited an instance in which villagers had to carry a sick person on a bamboo stretcher for more than two kilometres.
The absence of a school in the village means students travel to schools in Longpayimsen and neighbouring villages. However, the damaged bridge lies along the only connecting route, making travel difficult and unsafe and disrupting students’ education.
JKM held discussions with the Lizo Model Village Council on August 12 regarding the condition of the bridge and the difficulties faced by residents.
The JKM urged the concerned authorities, particularly the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), to take prompt action for the restoration and reconstruction of the bridge.
JKM said both bridges were important lifelines for the people of Japukong and their restoration should be given priority in the interest of public safety and convenience.
The JKM called for immediate government intervention and said it would continue to follow up on the issues until necessary action is taken. It also appreciated the participation and cooperation of the stakeholders during its visit.