Western Sümi Kükami Hoho accuses NHIDCL, govt. of changing National Highway alignment

DIMAPUR— The Western Sümi Kükami (GB) Hoho (WSKH) has expressed apprehension concerning the construction of national highways in Nagaland amid blame game among the concerned authorities after the recent tragedy at Chümoukedima-Jharnapai stretch of road on the NH-29.

In a press communiqué, the WSKH said the alternate route — NH-129A (NH-329A) – arranged by the authorities has is being neglected for years is unsafe for commuters.

It accused the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and state government of diverting the NH-129A (erstwhile NH-102C) alignment, which was supposed to connect NH-2 near Maram in Manipur and NH-29 near Dimapur via Peren, Jalukie, Pimla junction and Razaphe junction.

It alleged that the new NH-129A alignment, which came about in 2021 and passes through Mhainamtsi, Nkawareu, kiyevi, Henimgkunglwa and Ngwalwa villages to reach NH-29 at 7th mile, is unjustified as the old alignment is 10 km shorter than the new route and crosses as many as 12 villages.

While asserting that the diversion of route will cause inconvenience to more than 10 villages, it sought to know the reason for the change. “What is the purpose behind this? What and how does NHIDCL benefits from this? State government & NHIDCL needs to clarify to the public,” read the press communiqué.

Accusing the NHIDCL and state government of grossly abusing the limits of their authority, it said the authorities are guilty of misfeasance as they cannot change the description of NH-129A.

Maintaining that the newly proposed alignment of NH-129A passes through high and deep ridge which is far more dangerous than Pagla Pahar, it said the NHIDCL be held responsible if tragedies happen along the stretch in future.

“The old NH-129A which is being diverted to NH-329A, which is being used as alternate route as often, is neglected and have not been maintained for years and during the monsoon when NH-29 becomes unsafe, the authorities conveniently diverts the route to NH-329A (NH-129A) and make it inconvenient for the people of these region,” read the press release.

It said that “alternate route is maintained by the people of the region with the help of some commuters” and the NHIDCL is yet to complete the NH-329A.

The WSKH went on to “urge the concerned NGOs, CSOs and hohos to take the matter seriously and if possible undertake the on-spot verification of the newly proposed NH-129A alignment”.