The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) Nagaland State Unit has expressed shock and dismay over the “deplorable quality of ongoing road construction works” observed during a recent unofficial visit to Mokokchung.
In a press release, the youth wing of the National People’s Party (NPP) said that while traversing the stretch between VK Town and Doyang Bridge, NPYF members were appalled to witness what they described as gross negligence in the execution of “plum concrete” retaining walls.
“Photographic & Videographic evidence collected from the site reveals structures that appear to be mere dry stone stacking rather than the engineered, load-bearing structures required for such volatile terrain,” the NPYF stated.
Substandard workmanship alleged
The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) alleged that the work executed on the critical stretch failed to meet “even basic engineering standards.” It stated that instead of a solid, monolithic barrier capable of withstanding hill pressure, the retaining walls appeared to be loose assemblies of stone with inadequate binding material.
Technical standards for plum concrete
Highlighting the seriousness of the alleged negligence, the NPYF reminded the implementing agencies of the standard specifications for plum concrete. It stated that “plum concrete is not merely stacking stones and pouring a thin layer of cement over them,” but a mass concrete matrix, usually of M10 or M15 grade, in which large and clean stones are embedded.
According to the NPYF, proper workmanship requires that the stones, known as plums, be embedded into wet concrete and that no two stones touch each other. It stressed that the stones must be separated by a concrete layer of at least 150 mm to ensure a strong bond. The NPYF further stated that the stones used must be clean, hard, and free from dirt or moss to allow proper adhesion.
The NPYF said the finished structure should form a dense and void-free mass, adding that the work observed along the VK Town to Doyang stretch appeared to lack this essential concrete matrix, rendering it structurally weak.
Danger to public safety
Warning that such poor workmanship posed a serious risk, the NPYF described the situation as a disaster waiting to happen. With the monsoon season approaching, it cautioned that the loosely constructed walls were highly vulnerable to collapse under water pressure and landslides.
“This not only endangers the lives of commuters but threatens to sever vital road connectivity for the region, causing immense hardship to the public,” it added.
Demands for accountability
The NPYF Nagaland State Unit called upon the Nagaland Public Works Department (National Highways) to conduct an immediate technical inspection of the ongoing works between VK Town and Doyang Bridge. It also demanded that the authorities identify and make public the name of the firm or contractor awarded the project.
Further, demanding rectification, the NPYF urged the NPWD (NH) to order the immediate demolition and reconstruction of substandard portions in accordance with proper engineering codes and to initiate strict punitive action against those responsible for compromising public safety for profit.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of the people of Nagaland, the NPYF said it would not remain a silent spectator to what it termed developmental sabotage and urged the concerned departments to act swiftly before any tragedy occurs.
“The NPYF stands firm in its commitment to the welfare of the people of Nagaland and will not remain a silent spectator to developmental sabotage. We urge the concerned department to act swiftly before a tragedy occurs,” it stated.