The Western Angami Public Organization (WAPO) on Thursday affirmed its standpoint that no Gas Pipeline connection will be allowed under package III stretch of the National Highway 29 till the four lane road construction is satisfactorily completed as per its DPR and specifications.

“It may be recalled that our lands, consisting of numerous landowners have been concertedly leased out to NHIDCL just for the purpose of Four Lane Highway construction and not for any other projects at the moment. We are of the view that paying off land compensation for a certain agreed project doesn’t mean anything can be installed or established regardless of the safety and health hazard of the denizens of the vicinity,” asserted WAPO in a press release issued by its President Kepelhoutuo Chüsi and General Secretary Pekruvotuo Nisa.

Therefore, under no circumstance any other projects to be undertaken will be allowed till the primary project is accomplished and a fresh MOU signed with the Apex organization of the Area, especially for those projects which may endanger people’s safety, maintained the apex body of the Western Angami region.

While there is no 100 percent safety for any modern project, the WAPO pointed out that gas plant tragedies in India and the worldwide are found to be enormously common. Further, the stretch of land in the Western region is considered to be “a moisturized, sinking and landslide prone zone, together with the presence of plenty of ground water”, stated the WAPO, that might hasten the process of corrosion and oxidation of metal. Therefore, according to WAPO, the said project is likely to pose risk to the denizens in spite of certain marginal benefits that may accrue to the people.

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Any discourse and deliberation for public approval of such new project can be initiated only when the primary project (the Four Lane) is completed and the satisfactory safety measures for laying of such gas pipe line is assured.

Till such time, if any company or agency involves itself in any activity, like the ongoing Gas Pipeline connection without the prior permission of Public Organization of the Area, the WAPO warned, the indulging company itself shall be held responsible for any untoward incidence that may happen from any quarters.

“Public safety and security is our top priority and no authority in any normal situation, can hijack and compromise the safety of the other through any unilateral decision without the consent of the latter,” stated the WAPO.