Students undertake trekking to study foothill road

In an innovative approach to co-curricular activity, a 19-member team of C-Edge College, Dimapur, has embarked on a historic trek along the foothill highway. The trek christened ‘Foothill Highway by Foot’ comprised of students, faculty and other support members.
Over a period of two days trekking, starting from the Governor’s Camp, the team would cover all the way upto Tzürang valley via Bhandhari, Champang and dozens of other villages and hamlets.
In a short flag off programme, objective of the trek was explained by Er. Moa Aier, President of the College, who said that the trek is more than just a walk along the foothill highway which is presently under construction. He, however, said the walk is being organized to effectively assimilate education outside the four walls of the classroom.
The team is expected to turn the open vibrant space of the foothills along the route into special classrooms. Students of economics would see and understand the economics of the road and its impact upon the State’s economy, while students of sociology would see and study the sociological pattern of the foothill villages, and students of political science and history would see firsthand on the historical and political nature and conflict of the Nagaland-Assam border.
Er. D Mero, Engineer-in-Chief, PWD, flagged off the trek team on January 29 morning from below the hanging bridge at the Governor’s Camp. He explained briefly about the foothill highway project.
For decades, the Foothill Highway has been a dream for the Nagas. The dreams and aspirations of a people, to be translated to reality, first need a strong network of excellent road connectivity. It is in belief of such a dream, that C-Edge team has decided to make the trip on foot. In the process of interacting closely with the locals along the route, the team hoped to connect with not only the different people but with what is within themselves too
The foothill road would begin from Tizit in Mon till Khelma in Peren district covering a distance of about 410 km. The stretch from Governor’s Camp till Tzurang valley is about 100km. The formation cutting within this stretch has been completed and plyable. The bottle neck is the bridge over Doyang river. The foundation for the bridge construction is underway.
The Engineer-in-Chief was accompanied by Er. Talimeren, Additional CE, PWD, EE Bhaghty, EE Dimapur PWD, SDOs and other officials.
Meanwhile, the College team has thanked the PWD for the logistics support and all the other arrangements along the route.