The infamous 4-laning project of Dimapur-Kohima National Highway-29 under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East (SARDP-NE) which started in the year 2016 is a project mired with lots of controversies. From multiple court cases to missing multiple completion dateline. This project is now in the news again for the recent tragic road accident that had led to the loss of precious lives and causing serious injuries to others on July 4, 2023.
While The Rising People’s Party (RPP) shares its grief over the unfortunate events, it questions the role of all the parties involved-The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), The Construction firms /the Contractors, The Consultancy Firm and the State Public Works Department (PWD). Though, many Lives had been lost in the same stretch on numerous accidents, yet no corrective measures were adopted. The repetitive occurrence of accidents may be due to faulty construction method and poor maintenance of road that can be termed as a Man Made Disaster. Earlier, Many Civil Society Organizations had also warned about the impending danger of accidents and had even send out several representations to the concerned authorities, but it had all fallen into deaf ear. The indifferent attitude of the concern authority to a genuine concern is uncalled for.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The Dimapur-Kohima NH-29 has become “a death trap for the travelers”. While Meghalaya with similar hilly terrains enjoys good road due to proper planning and execution, the completion of Dimapur-Kohima NH-29 is not in sight. Dangers looms large with the exposed and unsettled rocks and multiple visible cracks on its layers above along the stretch.
What happened was bound to happen eventually and it may not be the last either if corrective measures are not devised urgently. While seeking Proper ex-gratia to the deceased and prompt medical assistance and help to the injured. The Rising People’s Party demand that Government of the Day wakes up and takes note of the issue seriously. Those responsible for the lapse of work should be investigated and booked as per the relevant section of law. And in order to prevent such disaster in the near future, The road condition should be reviewed, and proper safety infrastructure must be set up.
The RPP will not shy away from seeking justice in the Court to protect its citizens if concrete steps are not adopted by the Government of the Day. In the name of Development, the Safety of the people cannot be compromised.
Read more: NHIDCL regrets rock fall accident, to send technical team to do ‘proper study’ of area’s geology
