•- Of late there have been a few write-ups in the local papers on the Wokha- Bokajan road. The Wokha- Bokajan road measuring a little more than 100 kms was constructed and black-topped by the GREF through funds from the Central schemes and handed over to the Government of Nagaland about four years ago. The work must have cost more than a hundred crores of rupees. Sadly, ever since the take- over, the Government of Nagaland has not done anything to maintain the road. The road has remained so completely neglected that the stretch of road that falls under the hills section especially from New Ralan to Wokha measuring about 85 kms has vanished altogether. I think even wild animals will find it very difficult to pass through this once- upon- a- time road. A year or two ago a few brave souls tried to drive through this so called road but met with serious accidents as they could not distinguish the road from the thick jungle. I think no one else thereafter is daring to take the risk of venturing into this hazardous road/ jungle.
The Executive Engineer, PWD, Baghty is reported, in a local newspaper a few months ago, to have informed the DPDB meeting held in the DC’s Office Wokha, that funds have been received and all necessary equipments and labourers are already in place to execute repair and maintenance works on this road. However, nothing seems to have been done till date.
The Wokha- Kohima- Dimapur Highways remain so fragile throughout the rainy season every year that we can never be sure of reaching our destination on time. Further, Assam, especially the Karbi Anglong areas have become so notorious for frequent bandhs and strikes plus Assam- Nagaland border clashes that it is no more safe to travel through Assam to and from Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland.
During such eventualities, the Wokha- Bokajan or Wokha- Niuland road (same road) if maintained, would assume great importance by being of immense service to the people of Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Tuensang and Longleng districts by providing a shortcut to Dimapur.
As for the 18 or 19 villages under Ralan Area, this road is their only link to their district headquarter- Wokha. To reach Wokha for their different kinds of works, these villagers have to either travel through a few other districts or walk through jungle paths with packed meals for the journey for days together like the good old stone-age days. What a contrast with the rocket- age people who live outside the Ralan Area.
I hope this write-up comes to the notice of the 2 Legislators representing the villages to be most benefited by the maintenance of this road. At the least, I hope nobody is swindling funds in the name of maintaining this road.
Lesl Naga
Dimapur, Nagaland.
The Executive Engineer, PWD, Baghty is reported, in a local newspaper a few months ago, to have informed the DPDB meeting held in the DC’s Office Wokha, that funds have been received and all necessary equipments and labourers are already in place to execute repair and maintenance works on this road. However, nothing seems to have been done till date.
The Wokha- Kohima- Dimapur Highways remain so fragile throughout the rainy season every year that we can never be sure of reaching our destination on time. Further, Assam, especially the Karbi Anglong areas have become so notorious for frequent bandhs and strikes plus Assam- Nagaland border clashes that it is no more safe to travel through Assam to and from Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland.
During such eventualities, the Wokha- Bokajan or Wokha- Niuland road (same road) if maintained, would assume great importance by being of immense service to the people of Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Tuensang and Longleng districts by providing a shortcut to Dimapur.
As for the 18 or 19 villages under Ralan Area, this road is their only link to their district headquarter- Wokha. To reach Wokha for their different kinds of works, these villagers have to either travel through a few other districts or walk through jungle paths with packed meals for the journey for days together like the good old stone-age days. What a contrast with the rocket- age people who live outside the Ralan Area.
I hope this write-up comes to the notice of the 2 Legislators representing the villages to be most benefited by the maintenance of this road. At the least, I hope nobody is swindling funds in the name of maintaining this road.
Lesl Naga
Dimapur, Nagaland.
