NFHRCC seeks timely completion, alignment clarity for Foothills Road

Morung Express News
Wokha | November 15

The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), along with representatives of the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), and Yanmhon Area Public Organisation (YAPO), conducted a joint inspection of nine work sites under the Baghty Division on November 15 as part of its ongoing review of the Foothills Road construction.

Following the joint inspection, the NFHRCC along with the officials of Lotha Hoho, LLRPO, YAPO and other officials addressed the media, highlighting key observations and areas requiring immediate attention. During the press briefing, NFHRCC Convenor Supu Jamir said the committee was satisfied with the progress on the five bridges but deeply disappointed with the earth-cutting works. “The progress in these areas is not encouraging,” he said.

When questioned about the likelihood of achieving the internal target date of December 18, 2025, Jamir replied that the goal remained achievable “if the contractors and department commit fully and work with urgency, even round the clock if required.”

A major area of concern discussed was alignment deviation. Jamir explained that the Foothills Road alignment was jointly surveyed by the NFHRCC and the concerned department in 2013, and that the committee remained clear on the original route. It raised concern that some individuals had misled landowners, and that the department itself appeared uncertain about the alignment in some portions. The committee has requested the LLRPO President to write to the department, and stated that if required, NFHRCC would be willing to meet the department to resolve the issue promptly.

Limhathung Odyuo, Secretary of Lotha Hoho, expressed concern regarding the alignment, stating that their Apex body had already resolved to follow the original alignment without division. He noted that while the first cutting followed the approved route, the second cutting appeared diverted to another location, leading to confusion. He reiterated that the Foothills Road must serve all Nagas, and maintaining the correct alignment should remain a collective priority.

During a brief review meeting held after the inspection, speaking on behalf of the Lotha Hoho, Odyuo expressed concern over what he described as the slow progress of the project. He noted that there were instances where contractors had reportedly received partial payments despite certain stretches of work remaining incomplete. He appealed to both the contractors and the concerned departments to strengthen coordination and accelerate the pace of construction.

Yanmhon Area Public Organisation (YAPO), President extended support to the NFHRCC, affirming that the organisation stands firmly with the ongoing collective efforts.

Later, the NFHRCC adopted two resolutions, which were unanimously supported by the Lotha Hoho, LARPO, and YAPO.

The first resolution stated that, with regard to the Foothills Road, the committee will prioritise and work towards the materialisation of the two-lane construction.

The second resolution affirmed that within the Wokha area, no work related to the Foothills Road will proceed without the approval and involvement of the Foothills Road Committee.