NFHRCC suggest ‘tripartite agreement’ on Foothills Road

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has put forward a series of resolutions pertaining to the proposed 2-lane Foothills Road Project set to commence in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Among others, the committee suggested establishment of a ‘tripartite agreement’ between the concerned department, contractor, and NFHRCC, to maintain transparency and ensure the quality of work.

In a press release on Sunday, the NFHRCC appealed to the government to recognise the Nagaland Foothills Road as an ‘extraordinary project,’ highlighting the fact that landowners have contributed their land without any compensation and the, “Naga political groups fully understood not to levy any forms of taxations.”

Categorically stating that there will be “no land compensation and no taxation,” from any corner with regard to Foothills Road construction, the committee also stressed that the project, initiated by Naga civil society organisations, should not be ‘politicised’ in any manner, in order to safeguard the interest of the Naga public.

Noting that the Foothills Road stretches from Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren district, the committee appealed for additional funding for Khelma sector to address the poor road conditions and alleviate the difficulties faced by residents.

Further, it sought additional fund to connect the project with Rengmapani, “with the view to bring even development within our family and to bind us together with the chain of love and honour.”

The NFHRCC reiterated that the Foothills Road would be two-laned with 40 feet width, in consonance with an agreement made in 2013 and a no objection certificate (NOC) provided to the State government by the committee, as endorsed by the apex tribal hohos.

It went on to state that a joined declaration was signed on April 7, 2014 with the Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (NCSU) to the effect that the NCSU would support the Foothills Road till completion as it is an ‘extraordinary project.’

“Being an extraordinary project the selection of contractors/tendering process should be done extraordinarily or in other words, extraordinary yardstick should be applied while exercising selection of contractors/tendering process with the sole intention to safeguard the historic project from the clutches of any wanted elements,” it added.