NHIDCL accused of ‘criminal negligence’ on NH-29

KOHIMA — Concerns over the precarious condition of National Highway-29 between Kohima and Dimapur took centre stage at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, with legislators expressing frustration over frequent landslides and urging the government to prioritise all-weather alternative routes.

Initiating a half-an-hour discussion on the issue, Advisor Imkong L Imchen and MLA Kropol Vitsu criticised the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for what they deemed a “very casual” approach to the crucial highway project.

Imchen pointed out the stark contrast between the initial promise of a four-lane highway, announced in 2003 with a budget of INR 400 crore and the current reality of a landslide-prone road struggling to maintain even a single lane in some stretches. He particularly highlighted the Pagla Pahar stretch, notorious for its vulnerability to rockslides and criticised the lack of progress despite significant investments, stating that there seemed to be “no solution in sight.”

He went on to state that the NHIDCL’s approach to the NH-29 is “very casual” and maintained that the corporation would not give quality roads to the people. He said that the state capital and the commercial hub deserve to have quality roads connecting the two, he requested the chief minister to take up the issue on a “one-time special dispensation mode” so that the work is executed.

He also proposed the construction and maintenance of the alternative routes along the Kohima-Dimapur road via Niuland-Zhadima and via Jotsoma.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Kropol Vistu echoed similar concerns and suggested the state government explore alternative routes instead of solely depending on the four-lane route.

He pointed out the fragile nature of Nagaland’s terrain, further aggravated by deforestation and human activities, and the NHIDCL’s inadequate execution of works, making it increasingly susceptible to landslides, and specifically highlighted the 16 km stretch from Kohima to Piphema as particularly vulnerable. He recommended developing the Kohima-Dimapur route via Peducha, known for its relative stability, and maintaining the Niuland-Zhadima route as a reliable all-weather alternative.

Senior NPF MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu, also drew attention to the recent landslide near Dzüdza Bridge and criticised the slow response and the inadequate machinery deployed for clearance, deeming it indicative of NHIDCL’s “negligence” and “slackness.”

He maintained that the NHIDCL is “not serious” and went on to add that the road projects taken up by the agency in the state, are in “hopeless shape.” He claimed that the NHIDCL’s work amounts to “criminal negligence” with loss of lives already being reported.

Responding to the concerns, Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of National Highways, TR Zeliang, assured the Assembly that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had been apprised of the geological challenges, particularly along the rockslide-prone stretches of NH-29. He revealed that a proposal seeking an expert team to study the area is currently under consideration by the MoRTH.

Zeliang provided an update on the Kohima-Dimapur road via Niuland-Zhadima, stating that while Packages II and III were complete, the 3 km stretch under Package I (towards Niuland) was stalled due to land compensation issues. He appealed to the area’s MLA to intervene and explain to the community that provisions for land compensation did not extend to this particular stretch.