WSKH alleges bridge of ‘agreement’; urges for necessary steps to prevent further damages
Dimapur, October 7 (MExN): The Western Sümi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) visited the landslide affected area in Pherima village due to “the ongoing earth cutting which is being undertaken by the NHIDCL for four-lane of National Highway 29 between Dimapur-Kohima” on October 7.
The WSKH in a press release issued through its General Secretary, Kawoto Aye alleged that “due to steep land and earth cutting by the contractors, many families residing above the ongoing four-lane project are affected, rendering eight families homeless and the houses of another nine families about to be affected.”
The Hoho mentioned that “On interacting with the effected families and the village authorities, it has been revealed that prior to the commencement of earth cutting for expansion of road; an agreement was entered between Pherima village authority and contractor.” According to WSKH, the “agreement” stated that “the earth cutting shall be undertaken in a fill slope manner. However, due to steep land cutting by contractor without following the specifications for cutting earth as agreed earlier, has caused the landslides affecting the villagers of Pherima.”
“It has also been disclosed that there has never been a case of landslide in the village residence area since its inception, but after the commencement of earth cutting for four-lane project there has been continuous landslides and the entire village is required to be shifted,” WSKH stated.
In this regard, Pherima Village Council has made a representation to the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur for spot verification of damaged properties on October 7.
The WSKH while sympathizing with the plight of the affected families of Pherima village, has urged the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Disaster Management Board Dimapur and concerned authorities to meet the genuine demands of the affected families at the earliest and rehabilitate the affected families and also fairly compensate them and further take necessary steps to prevent further damages to the properties, lives, etc. urgently.
