Expressing disappointment over the purported exclusion of five panchayats from the centrally sponsored AMRUT scheme for construction of storm drain water phase-II under Kohima city, the 8 Western Urban Panchayats Union (WUPU) has appealed to the urban development department to reconsider the selection process.
In a representation addressed to the director urban development, WUPU president, Khrielakuo Sekhose, and general secretary, Zerüüzo Suohu, pointed out that the areas under the five panchayats were very vulnerable to landslide due to improper drainage system. They also said the five colonies were in peril and needed immediate redresses to prevent landslide and sinking by constructing storm drain in the likely affected areas.
The union, however, claimed just before the process of tendering work, the revised work list was curtailed to 14 only, adding that the priority areas, which were once included in the first list, are left out completely. “The suffering of the neighbouring colonies this year by devastating landslide and sinking is a living testimony where many citizens was affected from Pezelietsie, Perizie, Kezieke and other colonies of Kohima City and the victims were left wondering whether to rebuild at the present site or relocate considering the risks of further damage in future,” stated WUPU.
Stating that the union was not against colonies already in the selected list, the WUPU, on behalf of the five colonies, has appealed to the department to reconsider the selection process in identifying the work on priority and need-based.