Western Sumi Hoho raises safety concern over North East Gas Grid Project

Dimapur, 17 October (MTNews): The Western Sumi Hoho has voiced serious concerns and made crucial safety demands regarding the execution of the North East Gas Grid Project, which falls under their jurisdiction and is managed by the Indradanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).

In a letter to the General Manager Indradanush Gas Grid Limited, the Western Sumi Hoho highlighted the significance of safety in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly one as significant and potentially impactful as the North East Gas Grid Project. The Hoho emphasized that ensuring the well-being and security of the general public should be a top priority.

The Western Sumi Hoho expressed its dismay that IGGL has not yet provided a comprehensive safety awareness program to address the potential risks and hazards associated with the gas grid project. This lack of preparedness has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the communities that will be affected by the project’s implementation.

The Western Sumi Hoho, therefore, presented a set of conditions that must be met before they grant permission or endorsement for the execution of the North East Gas Grid Project by IGGL:

The IGGL must develop and present a comprehensive safety awareness program that addresses all potential risks and hazards associated with the gas grid project. This program should include detailed information on emergency response protocols, safety measures during installation and operation, and regular awareness campaigns to educate the general public about gas-related safety precautions.

The IGGL must effectively communicate and convince the general public about the safety measures they have implemented and how they plan to mitigate any potential risks. This should involve engagement with local communities, public meetings, and transparent dissemination of information regarding safety protocols, emergency contact numbers, and possible impacts of the gas grid.

The IGGL must formally commit to ongoing monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of the gas grid infrastructure to ensure its safety and operational efficiency. This should include regular audits, inspections, and prompt rectification of any identified safety or operational issues.

The Western Sumi Hoho emphasized that the safety and well-being of the general public should always be paramount in any development project, and therefore, cannot compromise on this aspect. If IGGL does not meet the specified demands, the Western Sumi Hoho said, they will withhold permission for the execution of the North East Gas Grid Project within their jurisdiction.

The organization further asked the IGGL to inform them of any actions taken in response to these concerns and demands and added that they will closely monitor the situation and expect a prompt and satisfactory resolution.