Situated near the Nuton Basti junction before reaching Metro Hospital, this one’s a winner when it comes to potholes (in the picture). The erosion of our roads has led to several craters dotting the commercial hub of Dimapur. (Photo: Amongla Longkumer)
Merina Chishi Soho
Dimapur | June 24
Last year when Nagaland received the award for the ‘Most Improved State for Infrastructure,’ it sure didn’t include the roads of Dimapur. And whether the award was based on any physical survey or government records, Dimapurians could only imagine receiving such an award in their dreams.
Roads in Dimapur have never been in good condition as far as one can remember. And it is only getting worse. Ever since the monsoon set in (and even before that), the roads have begun to erode in almost every part of the city. Humongous potholes, river bedded roads and flooded streets have become a landmark. The roads are also not tandem with the growing traffic. It is also noticed that every time the roads are “repaired”, it is done by simply laying sand and stone chips which wears off in a day or two.
Of the many roads that are in pathetic condition, the Nuton Basti junction, SP office-Civil Hospital junction, Half Nagarjan, Super Market, Marwaripatti, Burma Camp, Tata Parking-Golaghat road are the worst ones. These roads carry maximum vehicular weigh. Apart from these, numerous smaller streets within the city and those in the outskirts are also lying in deplorable state.
Sharing his opinion on the state of affairs, Robert, a concerned citizen said: “The condition of roads shows the level of love from the government to the people of Nagaland. Not welcome to the ‘land of festivals’ but welcome to the ‘land of potholes’.” On a more frustrating note, social activist S. Longkumer said: “If govt is not willing to repair the road, they should purchase boleros and scorpios for the public too.” Also throwing up words like “horrendous;” “gone to the dogs;” “execrable;” and “below standard;” an independent survey carried out by The Morung Express clearly shows the level of discontentment among the public.
But unlike some departments who conveniently blame the public for their underperformance, it proves hard for the public works department to shift the blame on others. “The power department says we don’t pay bills; the DMC says we clog the drains; education department says teachers’ are not sincere...who is the PWD going to blame?” a furious citizen questioned.
Surprisingly though, some officers in the concerned department admitted that the bad roads are due to “corruption.” Roads (maintained by State) do not conform to the standard requirements, and all of it is compromised by contractors because of the various “taxes” and “percentage cuts (politicians, bureaucrats, underground, etc)” imposed on them from different corners. About 70% of the fund meant to be spent on the road actually goes into the wrong hands, it is learnt.
Unless the government takes accountability for the state of affairs, it will continue to face the wrath of the public- not just of Dimapur but that of the entire state.
