Wokha, 20 September (MTNews): The Joint Action Committee (JAC) in Wokha district has issued a final ultimatum to Deputy Commissioner of Wokha and the TTC Infra India, the contractor for the ongoing two-lane construction of NH-2. The ultimatum demands the commencement of the remaining construction work within 72 hours. This ultimatum follows the JAC’s concerns over discrepancies and delays in the construction project.
The JAC, representing various bodies within Wokha village, has been actively advocating for the interests of the general public regarding the ongoing construction of NH-2 (Old NH-61) from KM 72.40 to KM 83 within Wokha district. The committee has made several representations and demands, emphasizing various critical issues.
Among the key demands are addressing discrepancies where the JAC insists that the authorities address all 106 marked discrepancies within the Right of Way (ROW).
It also demanded that the contractor must reconstruct and rectify pavement alignments, drainage systems, and substandard retaining walls, breast walls, and culverts along the entire stretch. This action should follow the rectification of the ROW by the appropriate authority.
The JAC pointed out that there is a significant disparity in the distribution of compensation, with some beneficiaries receiving substantially more than others. Therefore, it asked the responsible authority to investigate this discrepancy and take action against those involved in misappropriation, which allegedly amounts to a staggering Rs 18 crores.
Initially, the JAC had threatened an indefinite bandh (strike) along NH-2 within Wokha, starting from 20 June 2023, if their demands were not addressed. However, after negotiations with DC Wokha, it was agreed that the PWD (NH) department and District Administration Wokha would conduct an eviction drive to resolve the issues related to the 106 locations within a 15-day timeframe, as assured in a written agreement.
Meanwhile, TTC Infra India, the contractor, cited unfavorable weather conditions and labor shortages as reasons for the slow progress of the construction work. They pledged to accelerate the work after the rainy season.
Given the perceived lack of urgency in the authorities’ response, the JAC has now issued a final ultimatum. They demand that the remaining construction work on NH-2, from KM 72.40 to KM 83 in Wokha district, commences within 72 hours of this ultimatum’s publication in local newspapers. Additionally, they insisted that the remaining works proceed only after properly demarcating and designating those lands that are already compensated but left untouched.
Failure to meet these demands, the JAC said, may lead the JAC to take further actions, for which DC Wokha and TTC Infra India will be held responsible.