Following the issuance of a 15-day ultimatum by the Village Councils of Chungliyimsen, Japu, Satsukba, Azuphumi, Merayim, and Changki, along with the Convenor of AWC Association Mangkolemba, the PWD (National Highways) Mokokchung Division has taken prompt action to repair and maintain the dilapidated NH 702D Mokokchung-Mariani Road.
The ultimatum, which ended on 18 July, prompted the initiation of repair work since last Friday, 14 July, at various damaged sections along the crucial highway. The convenor of the concerned villages, Lendimenba, confirmed that boulders and stones have already been brought to the site, and that restoration efforts are currently underway.
“We have decided to put the ultimatum on hold for now as the work has begun since last Friday. We are even telling them that we will offer our assistance, including providing labor, if required, to expedite the repair process,” Lendimenba told Mokokchung Times.
PWD (NH) Mokokchung Division initiated the repair works although the NH-702D has not yet been officially handed over to the state government by NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited). The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, confirmed this fact through a press statement on Wednesday.
It was revealed that NHIDCL had undertaken special repair works on NH-702D since 2021. However, a significant portion of the 63 km stretch of the road remained unattended, leading to its deterioration and causing inconvenience to vehicles transporting essential commodities for various districts, including Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Noklak, and Shamator.
Recognizing the importance of NH-702D as the main lifeline for these districts, the Executive Engineer of PWD (NH) Mokokchung Division took the initiative to commence the restoration process, the DC’s statement stated.
The DC also informed that a spot verification and inspection of the ongoing repair works along NH-702D took place on 15 July led by Temjenmenba, the Advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Nagaland as was reported earlier. The inspection team consisted of Government Officials from Mangkolemba Sub-Division and Mokokchung District Headquarters, accompanied by members of Changki Village Council and officials from the NDPP (Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party).
DC Mokokchung said that the Advisor appreciated the team of PWD (NH) Mokokchung Division for undertaking the repair works on their own and also donated a sum of Rs 2 lakhs towards the repair project works.
