The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sashank Pratap Singh, IAS issued an order on Thursday in view of the extensive road damage between Mariani-Dessai at KM 25.050 and in supersession of an earlier order.
Movement of heavy vehicles carrying more than 20 tones and 10 wheeled truck or above has been restricted along the Mariani-Dessai Road with immediate effect till the damaged portion of the road is repaired, informed Singh.
The DC further stated that any truck owner/transport agency not adhering to this order shall attract penalties as per the relevant section of the Law.
In a telephonic interview with NTN, the chairman of Changki Village Council, Lendi, said the road in question has been in a deplorable condition since March 2022 and that it serves as a lifeline for transport of essential commodities for the districts of Mokokchung, Tuensang and Zunheboto.
He went on to say that numerous vehicular mishaps occurred on the said highway due to the many potholes and the muddy track of the road.
The Mariani-Dessai highway in Longnak village of Mokokchung district.
The chairman also hinted on the consultative meeting that the 13 villages located between Dessoi River and Sewak Gate (63km from Mokokchung) held with the contractors on March 2022. The village councils had appealed to the construction party then for the said road to be made motorable to a given extent by the month of May.
Nagaland Tribune also spoke to Temsuyanger, the owner of a fair price shop in Yimyu ward, Mokokchung who stated the road gets disrupted the most when there is coal transportation along it of 35-40 metric tons. He informed that trucks carrying commodities of the shop ply through the Kohima road because there is much taxation and checking of documents along neighboring Assam. More than 50 trucks travel through this route which is the lifeline for nearly four districts.
Temsuyanger further pointed out that there is road maintenance carried out occasionally but the quality of the construction materials is not up to the required standards.
The work maintenance on this road (NH 702D) was given to Trident Enterprise (class one contractor) who later gave it to the now present contractor in charge, Longten.
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