National Highway between Zunheboto and Mokokchung in shambles; DC forwards letter to Chief Engineer

Dimapur, Sep. 19 (EMN): The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) has submitted a representation to the chief engineer, PWD (NH), appealing for immediate repair and vegetation clearance of National Highway 702 (NH-702) between Zunheboto and Mokokchung.

In view of the inconvenience faced by the citizens due to the deplorable condition of the NH-702, the ZCCI stated that it had taken up the issue as ‘the road connects Zunheboto and Mariani, Jorhat and other places of Assam via Mokokchung, through which 90% essential commodities are transported on a daily basis.

It added that this road, which is the lifeline for the people of Zunheboto district, is in shambles, pointing at the failure of the department in meeting the fundamental needs of the citizens.

The NH-702 is currently unpliable with massive potholes and waterlogging due to absence of drainage system, thus posing a threat to the life, property, economy and wellbeing of the people, according to the representation dated September 17, 2022.

With no alternative route available, it said the people are compelled to commute the road despite being accident-prone, wastage of fuel and damage of vehicles, which take a toll on the citizens of the district in the form of price rise and other problems, thus affecting their economic growth.

Therefore, the ZCCI had appealed to the concerned authority to take cognizance of the matter in public interest and promptly initiate appropriate measures and make the NH-702 motorable at the earliest. It added that it would be compelled to ‘take further course of action to salvage the citizens from the bondage’.

Criminal negligence

The ZCCI also informed that the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, had forwarded its representation to the chief engineer, PWD (NH).

The DC’s forwarded letter, a copy of which has been made available to this newspaper, maintained that minor repairs undertaking was found inadequate as the road was neglected for so long; that 2-3 feet deep potholes make even trucks and large vehicles with high ground clearance difficult to ply on the road.

Urging the concerned authority to take immediate remedial actions, the DC said that loss of lives and injuries due to vehicular accidents caused by non repair and clearance of vegetation ‘may amount to criminal negligence on the part of PWD, NH, and its officers, inviting action as per provisions of laws’.