Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang carried out an on-site inspection along National Highway 2, previously NH-61, from Km 72.40 to Km 83.00 in Wokha district on Monday. He was accompanied by Dr Chumben Murry, Advisor to Chief Minister. The inspection was made at various locations along with Joint Action Committee (JAC), Lotha Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union and all organizations of Wokha Village members, Construction Company, PWD (NH) and the District Administration.

After the inspection, TR Zeliang called for a meeting at Hammock Resort, Wokha where he stressed that the major factor of the issue in this stetch of NH-2 is completion of work without proper formalities. He also maintained that whatever structure had been constructed on compensated land would be removed and unused compensated land will be kept for future expansion because the payment has already been made and acquired by the Government, so the compensated land belongs to the Government.

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Once the compensated land issue is solved, the department will verify, re-visit and all appropriate measures will take place and the completion of the road should not take more than four to five months, the Deputy CM added.

TR Zeliang also assured that he will see to it that work is done as per the contract agreement and the road is constructed as per the specific agreement inserted in the detailed project report (DPR).

Wokha Village Youth Organisation Joint Action Committee President Chiben P. Kikon showed appreciation towards the visit of TR Zeliang. He stated that the committee had identified 106 discrepancies within the stretch of the road construction including drainage, culvert, walls, electrical pole and unused compensated land. Kikon highlighted that the issue arose because of the poor workmanship by the construction firm and also remarked that the JAC will remain vigilant until the work is completed as assured by the department, contractors and District Administration.

Read more: WVYO JAC serves final ultimatum to DC Wokha, TTC Infra India on ongoing NH-2 two lane construction

Er. I. Tiameren, Chief Engineer, PWD (National highway), said that the grievances expressed by the people are genuine and assured the department will give its best in supervising the rectification work, the balance work and the implementation of the project will be done through spirit and reality.

Lotha Hoho Chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung expressed dismay that non-claiming of compensated land on time has resulted in the building of a house by encroaching the compensated land. He also urged the contractors to complete the construction of works in the stipulated time frame which is April 2024.

During the meeting it was resolved that all compensated structures should be removed by the owner within a period of ten days starting 5th December 2023 and in case an individual fails to do so, the District Administration will carry on with the demolition of the illegal buildings and structures.

It was also resolved that during the period of ten days, marking of the encroached areas will also be carried out and that the contractors and company will resume the work on NH-2 by 5th December at the undisturbed areas.