Mokokchung, March 21 (MExN): The Ao Senden has written to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio putting forward its opinion and position on the proposed realignment of the Mariani-Mokokchung Road (National Highway-702D).
In the representation, the Ao Senden stated that the NH-702D is the second busiest highway in Nagaland after the Kohima-Dimapur Road (NH-29) and serves as a lifeline of at least five districts including Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Noklak and parts of Wokha and Shamator districts.
Citing reliable sources, it said that the PWD (National Highways) department, Government of Nagaland has prepared five options for realignment of the said Highway at 66.00 Km Chungtiayimsen to Longjongkong (New Camp) on chainage 30.00 Km, which presently measures a length of 36 Kms.
In this regard, the Ao Senden suggested that the road should be realigned as per Option – IV (Watiyim- Longjemdang-Mangkolemba-Khar-Longjongkong) Survey Report recommended by PWD (NH). The Option – IV shall reduce the existing 85 kms by at least 10 kms which is quite a lot, it contended.
Justifying its recommendation, the Ao Senden stated that the option meets the standard and specifications of National Highways and also meets the criteria of the shortest route. It said that in Nagaland, each road was generally in the category of ‘feeder roads’ where every habitation or village wished to be connected. “However, with the new 2-lane National Highways now, we need a paradigm shift towards the modern approach of speed and efficiency,” it stated while adding that each National Highway should be aligned through the shortest possible distance, and which will be the most efficient.
Further stating that the existing highway has long detours that cannot be widened to 2-lane in several locations due to steep gradient etc., it recommended that existing feeder roads to adjoining townships and villages be adequately maintained.
The proposed realignment of the said Highway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of this part of Nagaland and it should not be squandered, it said while urging the government to NoC for the option-4.
