Kopele Mero
Kohima, the capital of Nagaland! Obviously everyone knows that it’s the hub for most of the MLAs, big shots and for common people alike. It is thrilling indeed to have gradual development everywhere, marketing complexes, restaurants, shops, etc. coming up rapidly. Every now and then we see new vehicles zooming up and down driven by vehicle savvy Nagas but through the horrible lane of Kohima. I feel its useless buying new vehicles without good road, as the new vehicle screeching through bumpy lane of Kohima will have to go through repairs the following year, instead Govt. should invest money in building roads than buying new vehicles. It is a pity to look at the road condition of Kohima. I believe most of the pedestrians could notice the miserable condition of network of roads in Kohima.
I was taken by surprise one RAINY day, when I saw a group of workers trying to empty the potholes filled with water and then spreading over it with a thick layer of tar then filling in it a layer of gravels. The first question that came to my mind was “Are we still lagging in technology or lacking of proper planning”? Looking at the roads, its shameful calling it the capital of Nagaland. Thanks to BSNL for contributing in digging cable lines without repairing, thanks to PHED for pipelines across the roads, not forgetting PWD for ignoring their work, we really enjoy the bumpy rides even on the smoothest of vehicle leave aside the ride on mini bus. No proper drainage system, no proper place to dump garbage. No proper sidewalks leaving pedestrians no option than getting into the roads causing havoc to the busy traffic. It is very inconvenient.
Another funny incident was, when the Prime Minister paid a visit to Kohima last, I could not help but notice people busy working even under the street lights to get the roads done just before his visit. For a month or two we had the privilege to enjoy the smooth road but look at the roads now, I only wish the Prime Minister visit Nagaland every now and then. Its nothing new when a speeding vehicle passes by enters a pothole and splashes water on passersby. Everyone must have had the opportunity of experiencing it and curse the driver but whom to blame, the speedy vehicle or the road?? We see in newspaper publishing’s that much money has been allotted for the development of roads but where?? Where does all the funds vanish?? Do we have proper drainage for proper roads to ply over?? How long?? How long can we fall on a deaf ear?? If it goes on at this rate then I’m afraid in the next few months to come, I could imagine all of us walking with our legs submerged 2-3 feet deep in the mud.
What do you say?? Next time I wish each and everyone to view at the pitiful condition of the roads. Should we be proud enough to describe our condition to the people outside?? How long can we acquiesce with the pathetic road condition now prevailing?? How long??
