Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has reiterated the importance of the long-pending 2-Lane Nagaland Foothills Road, envisioning it as the safe and convenient movement of travellers and the transporters.
Stretching between Khelma in Peren District and Tizit in Mon District, the project has been “the dream road of Nagas since 1974,” stated a press release issued by NCD President GK Rengma and General Secretary LK Peter Anal.
As much as Nagaland Foothills Road Co-ordination Committee (NFRCC) feel for this dream project, NCD also expressed its “determination and resolve for early completion of this Nagaland Foothills Road Construction Project.” The NCD highlighted that the road is essential to mitigate the hardships and inconveniences faced by Naga travellers via Assam especially during bandhs and border skirmishes in the neighbouring state.
The Council underscored that the project would not only serve as a lifeline for the districts it directly passes through but would also act as a central artery, connecting all major arterial roads from every district of Nagaland. This, in turn, is expected to unlock economic growth and tapping of natural resources both within and above can be fully utilized and explored.
The NCD expressed its appreciation to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for understanding the people's needs and allocating the necessary funds for the project. However, the Council expressed concern over reports that the ongoing work is lagging in certain divisions, a delay that could hamper the commencement of the project's second phase. The NCD has appealed for “mutual cooperation in resolving any issues for the larger interest of our Naga society before the onset of the monsoon.”
The Council also acknowledged the foundational work done in 2013, when a joint survey of the alignment was conducted by the Nagaland Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) and the NFRCC. It noted with appreciation the generous gesture of landowners who, through their respective Tribal Hohos, voluntarily dedicated a 40-foot-wide lane for the road without seeking any land compensation.
Standing in solidarity with the Dimapur-based Tribal Hohos for the early completion of the 2-Lane Foothills Road, the NCD has firmly appealed to the state government to expedite the execution of this “extraordinary” road project to meet the people's expectations.
