The PMGSY Road L-026 to Sangtsong Project, sanctioned for Rs 16.2 crore to connect the remote villages of Tsundang, Sangtsong, and Vongtsuvong under Pungro Subdivision, Kiphire District, is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of gross corruption, substandard construction, and systemic failures in public accountability.
According to a public statement by Ato Yimchunger, none of the road components were executed as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Despite this, the Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B), Nagaland, issued a Work Completion Certificate (WCC) in March 2024 to M/S Vertex Construction.
The official completion date of March 31, 2024, is alleged to have been falsified to start the five-year maintenance period from April 1, 2024.
Timeline of events
· March 2024: WCC issued despite incomplete and substandard work. Official completion date allegedly falsified to initiate five-year maintenance.
· Independent Inspection (Post-WCC):
– 24 of 56 Cross Drainage (CD) structures missing, implying potential misappropriation of nearly Rs 3 crore.
– Remaining 32 CD structures mostly substandard Hume Pipes, with 9 replacing larger slab culverts.
– Black topping, road width, subgrade compaction, and culverts fail to meet technical and safety standards.
– Vegetation sprouted within a month; major cracks visible on Bailey Bridge.
· Multiple applications filed to obtain project information; satisfactory responses received only after a Second Appeal at Nagaland Information Commission.
· Lodged at the Chief Engineer’s level, but unresolved.
· Complaint forwarded to National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA); acknowledged but no corrective action taken.
· NHRC intervention:
– October 1, 2024: Complaint filed with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
– NHRC issued a directive to implement corrective action within eight weeks.
– PWD (R&B), Nagaland reportedly ignored the directive, with no corrective steps taken.
· Nagaland Lokayukta complaint:
– November 2024: Complaint lodged with Nagaland Lokayukta.
– Technical verification conducted by Lokayukta Police team.
– June 17, 2025: Lokayukta issued an Interim Order, concluding PWD (R&B) officials acted in an unbecoming manner, causing a loss of Rs 2.34 crore.
– Order directed the department to complete the deficient work within six months.
· Ongoing concerns (June–September 2025):
– Yimchunger contends the Interim Order underestimates the actual loss, as none of the components were executed according to DPR specifications, suggesting the full Rs 16.201 crore may have been misused or lost.
– He has requested a review of Interim and Final Orders from the Upa Lokayukta, citing misinterpretation of justifications, erroneous financial assessment, underestimation of total loss, and inconsistencies with visible facts.
– Almost three months after the Interim Order, no corrective work has been initiated, nor has the Upa Lokayukta reviewed the order.
· Appeal for legal intervention:
– Yimchunger has appealed to Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), pro bono legal clubs, and independent lawyers to assist in filing a writ petition before the Gauhati High Court – Kohima Bench to ensure accountability and prevent further misuse of public funds.
“I offer my full cooperation in this matter to ensure that accountability prevails and public funds are safeguarded from further misuse,” said Ato Yimchunger.
For further details, Yimchunger can be contacted at 8974695697.