The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) served a representation yesterday to the Chief Engineer (NH) appealing for immediate repair and vegetation clearance of National Highway 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung.
In a press release, the ZCCI on behalf of the aggrieved citizens brought notice to the deplorable and pathetic condition of the National Highway 702 between Zunheboto and Mokokchung. It stated that the road connects Zunheboto and Mariani, Jorhat and other places of Assam via Mokokchung, through which 90 percent of essential commodities of basic needs are transported on daily basis.
The ZCCI pointed out that the road is a lifeline to the people of Zunheboto district with there being no alternate route, and added that the deplorable state of the road raises “a big question mark on the sincerity of the concerned department in failing to meet the fundamental needs of the citizens.”
The organisation also laid out the present condition of the road – “unpliable” with ‘infinite massive potholes” that are waterlogged due to the absence of a proper drainage system,
and thus “posing a great threat to life, property, economy and wellbeing of the people.”
The deplorable condition of the road is proving to be costly, leading to wastage of fuel and inflicting damages on vehicles burning the pockets of the citizens of Zunheboto District, wrote the ZCCI.
It further stated that there had been several instances of accidents due to the bad condition of the road, and yet people are compelled to commute as there is no other option.
Pointing that a bad road creates high transportation costs and escalation of prices of essential commodities, the ZCCI said the deplorable roads adversely affect the economic growth and development of both the business community and consumers.
Stating that it believes the department will understand the pain the citizens are going through, the ZCCI appealed to the authority to undertake appropriate measures on urgent basis so that NH 702 is made motorable at the earliest.
The ZCCI wrote that it would be compelled to “take further course of action” if the concerned department failed to take immediate measure.
In this regard, the press release stated that Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS had also forwarded a letter.
The letter by the DC stated that NH 702 was a lifeline for Zunheboto district for movement of essential commodities from Assam. As per the observation of the DC’s office, this important road is neglected and the undertaking of minor repairs were found to be inadequate.
According to the release, the DC’s letter described the road condition as having “potholes [that] are 2-3 feet deep”. The DC further pointed out that “trucks and large vehicles with high ground clearance” face difficulty in using the road, while the smaller vehicles encounter damages and accidents constantly with the general public being forced to travel on the road out of necessity.
If the road is not repaired and the vegetation cleared, the DC’s letter pointed out that the “resultant death and injuries due to vehicular accident with deplorable road condition may amount to criminal negligence on part of PWD (NH) and its officers inviting action as per provisions of laws.”
“The matter is forwarded for immediate remedial actions,” stated the DC’s letter.
