Nagaland: High Court gives Centre 4-week deadline on NH 329A project

DIMAPUR — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has given four weeks’ time to the Union of India to submit the details of steps taken by the ministry of road transport & highways for the construction and completion of NH 329A in Nagaland.

While resuming the hearing of a PIL filed by a resident of Phushito village in Chümoukedima district on Wednesday, a bench comprising Justice Kakheto Sema and Justice Budi Habung noted that the state respondents had filed an affidavit on September 11. 

In its statement, Nagaland government reiterated its previous submission that NH 329A was entrusted to the state PWD by the union ministry and the same was taken over by the state government from NHIDCL.

“Thereafter, the estimate for a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) works (2023-24) was submitted to the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) vide letter NO. CE/NH/OR/(PBMC)/2023-24 dated 23th November 2023 to maintain the road in traffic worthy condition. However, before the sanction could be accorded by the ministry, the Lok Sabha election was declared and model code of conduct (MCC) was enforced.

“Thus, the same has been included to be taken up on 2024-25. Simultaneously, Project Management Consultancy (PMC) work has also been included in this year Annual Plan i.e. 2024-25 for preparation of Detailed Project Report, Pre-Construction activity and Construction supervision of 2 Laning with paved shoulder along the entire stretch of NH 329A, from Sangtamtilla to Mhainamtsi (Diphu-Mhainamtsi). Thus, after the ministry accorded the sanction and after completing all contract/other formalities, the respondents will construct, expand and maintain the NH-329A at the earliest,” it stated in the affidavit.

Accordingly, the court directed the union of India to place on record the steps MoRTH have taken for the construction and completion of NH-329A.

“Mr. Yangerwati, learned CGC (central government counsel) shall place the instructions in the form of an affidavit in 4 (four) weeks’ time. Mr. LT Sangtam, learned Additional AG, Nagaland, shall furnish the requisite copies of the affidavit dated September 11, 2024 to the learned CGC in the course of the day. List it after 4 (four) weeks,” read the order.

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