MLA Achumbemo Kikon reviews Foothill Road construction in Bhandari sub-division.
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DIMAPUR — MLA and chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, reiterated his demand for quality work along the entire stretch of the Foothill Road Construction, including five steel bridges in Bhandari sub-division, and said that work should be expedited to meet the set dateline of March 31, 2026.
Kikon said this during the SDPDB meeting held at the conference hall of the Summer House-Cum-Guest House at Bhandari on February 13, a DIPR report stated.
He also urged the construction companies, contractors, government departments, organisations, public of Yanmhon village, Champang village and Bhandari areas as well as individuals to contribute positively towards making the Foothill Road functional on time as collective shareholders.
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The meeting was attended by departmental officers, construction companies and firms as well as NGOs and public leaders, who deliberated in detail on the ongoing work on the Foothill Road construction covering about 39 km in Bhandari sub-division.
Representative of M/s Chabou & Co., Renbemo Murry, proprietor of M/s JK Construction, who also represented the firm, stated that the construction companies are committed to completing the Foothill Road project by March 31.
Elaborating on the progress at various stages, he said that work had been delayed by four months in the past year due to certain pending issues. However, the firms were able to mobilise and deploy adequate manpower and machinery to resume and carry out the work.
He added that heavy and prolonged monsoon rains further hampered progress, as the project involved large volumes of earthwork. Despite the setbacks, the works are now in the completion stage, including cross-drainage (CD) works and protection works.
He further highlighted that additional manpower and machinery have been pressed into service to ensure timely completion of both packages, in accordance with the approved design, drawings, and specifications, to the satisfaction of the department and in the interest of the general public.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Kuhovi Sema, highlighted on construction of the five bridges and said that the ongoing work is found to be satisfactory and are expected to complete on scheduled time.
Dr. Yanthungrhomo Mozhui, representing the bridge construction firms, expressed concern regarding the construction of wing walls for the bridges. He also appealed for the proper maintenance of drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and avoid premature damage or destruction of the bridges.
T Amos Kikon, president of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), spoke on the PMGSY Sungkha Road project, which connects six villages—Roni Old, Mongphio, Lishuyo, Sungkha, Lio Wokha and Hayiyan—to the rest of the subdivision.
The house also deliberated and resolved for adoption of Jatropha curcas plantation project under Bhandari.
Weighing on the importance of the project as a viable, long-term agricultural solution, when times are shifting from roadside and weekly markets towards agricultural enterprise and large scale business, Kikon said that implementation of a well guided project will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and transform the economic landscape of the region.
Speaking on application of ‘Right crop and right technology,’ Pemma Dorji, Managing Director, Terratroth Innovations, Sikkim, said that Jatropha curcas plant is primarily cultivated for bio-fuel, bio-oil, and industrial raw materials and it is an alternative cash crop for farmers.
Speaking on farmer’s friendly and proactive role, he emphasised that the company will be in strategic partnership to help, assist and build a strong and sustainable socio-economic status of the people.
The house resolved to sensitise the village councils, landowners and farmers on the benefit of the project and to encourage the community to dedicate suitable land and sufficient labour towards cultivation of the crop.
Connection and proper maintenance of electricity to six villages—Mmhayan, Chanka, Yankhum, Old Wozhu, New Wozhu and Litsuyan—were discussed during the meeting.
In a memorandum, representatives of the six villages stated that they are currently receiving electricity supply from Mokokchung district. However, they expressed their desire to be brought under Wokha district for improved connectivity and better maintenance services.
Mhaden Murry, JE, Power Department, also informed the house that three distribution transformers have been installed in the sub-division to enhance and stabilise power supply to the needy areas.