State deputy chief minister, TR Zeliang, minister in-charge of national highways, on Friday said that the state government was actively pursuing the construction of the Foothills Road (Trans-Nagaland Highway). Delivering the 75th Republic Day message at Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) complex here,
Zeliang informed that the state government has prepared a DPR for the Foothill Road with a length of 364km at an estimated cost of Rs.9000 crore. He disclosed that the DPR has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for early sanction. In addition, Zeliang said under the scheme of Special assistance to states for capital Investment 2020-21, about 944km stretches of road have been taken up for construction and upgradation for further development of road connectivity in the state. On power sector, the deputy chief minister said that the power department was advancing the development of two major hydroelectric projects—lower Tizu HEP (42 MW) and Zungki HEP (24 MW)—and seeking external funding from the Asian Development Bank.
Zeliang also announced the launch of “War on Drugs” and stated that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been established in all districts.
He said that extensive awareness programmes on the adverse effects of substance abuse were being conducted targeting students and youth through various platforms including social media.
Earlier, the deputy chief minister unfurled the National Flag and inspected the march past contingents and took Rashtriya salute from nine parade contingents.
At the programme, patriotic song was presented by Dimapur Mission School while cultural dances were presented by Chekiye Cultural Club, Garo Cultural Troupe, and Khiamniungan Cultural Club.