Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 18
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today said that ‘the landowner problem’ is a hurdle in the way of developmental activities in the state. He said developmental activities are more visible in areas where land owners reason but developmental activities are less in areas where landowners show unwillingness to part with their lands.
Inaugurating the Kohima village VDB link road constructed under MGNREGS for Ruleizou (IG Stadium) NH-2 to Seithogei NH- 29, this afternoon, the chief minister thanked the citizens who willingly provided their lands and made the link road possible.
Many landowners sacrificed their lands for the common cause, Neiphiu Rio said, and called the gesture ‘benevolent.’ Maintaining that road connectivity is essential and the supreme route for all-round development, Rio was optimistic that the newly-inaugurated link road would bring development and prosperity to the state.
The chief minister also hoped that the link road would play a major contributing role in easing traffic jam in the state capital, Kohima. Circular roads are now the only option to easing traffic congestion while also an important factor in the expansion of the town, he said. He said vehicular movement in Kohima eased after the development of the circular road from Naga Hospital to the Veterinary office areas.
Sharing his experiences from visiting some south east Pacific cities, the chief minister said some cities face the problem of sustainability and are unable to expand. But, he explained, many cities develop more, when keeping with proper plans and strategies for the future. He expressed desire to see that Kohima town also adopts proper planning.
The chief minister has announced Rs. 20 lakh for maintenance of the link road till the Public Works Department takes over within a year or two. Parliamentary Secretary Pangnyu Phom also thanked the villagers for using the funds judiciously and making the link road possible.
According to Village Development Board Secretary John Sote, the road was constructed at the cost of Rs. 1, 50, 01, 296 under the MGNREGS.
