Foothills Road one step closer, final phase of survey over

Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 2

THE Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFRCC) on Wednesday completed its final phase of survey .The survey includes areas under Western Sumi sector and ends near the Governor’s camp in Wokha with a Bailey bridge, at least 120 meters in length, spanning the Doyang, river.Currently, a suspension bridge acts as the only means of connection between the two sides divided by Doyang. The survey team, led by officials of the PWD (Roads and Bridges) included NFRCC members and leaders of Western Sumi Hoho, Kyong Hoho and Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur.
The estimated cost of this single Bailey Bridge is approximately Rs 16 crores.
Officials of PWD (Roads and Bridges) told some of the leaders that details of the construction of the bridge are with senior officials and now only await their decision.
Nevertheless, the NFRCC survey team is said to have reminded the department officials that the bridge across Doyang is of utmost priority. The members are of the opinion that without a bridge, the entire connection of the road would be rendered futile.
After the visit to Governor’s camp, the entire team returned to the Western Sumi area, specifically Niuland sub-division, and held a meeting with Western Sumi leaders. Elected representative from the area, MLA Jacob Zhimomi also attended the meeting.
The MLA as well as the Western Sumi leaders reiterated their earlier assurance that the Foothills road project would face no hiccups in the Western Sumi area. Convener of NFRCC, Supu Jamir once again expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Minister for Roads and Bridges Azo Neinu for taking special interest in the project to ensure that the aspirations of the people are answered to.
He also thanked the 10 legislators representing border areas, Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, Home Commissioner Temjen Toy, Chief Engineer Mero, Additional Chief Engineer Kope, the national workers for their decision to exempt the project from any form of taxation, and the landowners for parting with their land without any compensation.
Former Additional Chief Secretary, T Manen reminded the gathering, comprised of leaders representing 10 Naga tribes, that the Foothills Road project was the manifestation of “the first real unity among the Nagas.”
This blessing should be allowed to be extended to other platforms- politics, economy and, most importantly, social-, Manen shared.
The first phase of survey was conducted on September 24 and 25 in the four districts of Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung and some parts of Wokha. Prior to their departure on Wednesday the survey team had a meeting at the residence of NFRCC treasurer, Yashitsungba Aier.