Morung Express News
Kohima | April 22
The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on April 22, has directed the Chief Engineer, Nagaland PWD (National Highways), to appear in person to explain reported nil progress for consecutive weeks and concerns regarding the quality of Jotsoma Bypass to the Lerie Welcome Gate road works.
The direction came while hearing PIL (Suo Moto) No. 2/2019, where the Division Bench comprising of Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer and Justice Pranjal Das. reviewed compliance reports relating to the “One Time Improvement of NH-39 (old) from Km 172.900 to Km 185.540 under PWD NH Division-I, Kohima.”
Earlier, on February 4, the court had directed the Chief Engineer to personally monitor the project on a day-to-day basis and submit status reports highlighting weekly progress from February 5 onwards.
Examining the compliance affidavit filed by the Chief Engineer, the Amicus Curiae of the case pointed out that physical progress had steadily declined over the review period.
As per the courts proceedings, progress reportedly fell from 11.92 per cent in early February to lower levels in subsequent weeks before dropping to negligible levels by late March. From March 26 to April 14, it was observed physical progress was also recorded as zero.
Meanwhile, the Amicus Curiae also drew attention to claims in the affidavit that, out of a 12.64-km stretch from Jotsoma Bypass to the Lerie Welcome Gate, 7 km of bituminous concrete carpeting had been completed by March 31.
However, it was submitted before the court that several potholes were visible on the same stretch even as recently as last week, raising concerns over the quality, durability and monitoring of the work executed.
The court also examined explanations offered for the slowdown, including shortage and rising cost of bitumen as well as adverse weather conditions as well as supply disruptions due to developing situation in West Asia.
However, it was pointed out that work ought to have progressed substantially during the dry winter months rather than slowing until the onset of rains, when weather-related disruptions become more likely.
Taking serious note of the matter, the court directed the Chief Engineer to personally explain how physical progress had remained nil for the past three weeks and to clarify the poor quality of bituminous carpeting between Jotsoma Bypass-II and the Lerie Welcome Gate.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 3.
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