Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) calls for suspension of gas pipeline project along NH-29

AYO disclosed that a meeting with the four ranges– SAYO, NAYO, WAYO and CYO– had resolved that a mega project of this nature could not be carried out without educating the public on its merits and demerits. AYO stated that the organisation and all the four ranges had also unanimously decided that any work related to the gas pipeline project should be kept suspended within the Angami region. It pointed out that multiple incidents of gas pipeline bursts across the country, which has led to loss of lives and property, should be a lesson for all before a mega project of this nature was initiated.

AYO stressed that Nagaland falling under the seismic zone-V, as per the data shared by the National Centre for Seismology, could not ignore the risk involved in implementing the gas pipeline project. “Economy matters, yet, safety of lives is paramount to any development,” it stated. Although the gas pipeline could benefit the market and economy in a huge way, AYO pointed out that the negative consequences that could be faced in the course of time could not be ruled out. According to AYO, the project would constantly endanger the lives of the people, especially the villages and the populace along the stretch of NH-29.

“When we all know that our land is prone to so many natural calamities, why won’t the public have apprehension that major catastrophic incidents are bound to happen anytime even on a slightest mishap or technical breakdown. Who will hold the responsibility in the event it leads to any catastrophe in the future?’ AYO asked.

AYO stated that National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was well aware of the natural calamities and accidents that occurred every now and then along the national highway. Hence, AYO averred that laying the gas pipeline along that stretch was nothing but a time-bomb waiting to be triggered at any moment.
It also condemned and questioned the NHIDCL for grating the right of way for laying the gas pipeline along NH-29 just for the purpose of financial benefits.

At a time when the Chakhroma Youth Organisation, the apex youth body of one of the four AYO ranges, had submitted several representations and press statements, they noted with concern at the audacity of the IGGL and NHIDCL of going ahead in continuing the work by transporting gas pipes to the Western Angami jurisdiction under Kohima district. AYO said this itself clearly indicated the irresponsible behaviour of NHIDCL and IGGL towards the public.

Taking all these things into consideration, AYO mentioned that they observed a lackadaisical attitude of the government and the company undertaking the project. They stressed that the public ought to be educated about the project, particularly the risk and the safety measures it involved.

AYO further urged IGGL and NHIDCL to refrain from carrying out any work related to the project, cautioning that failure to comply with the notice would be at their own risk.

It may be noted that Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is a joint venture of IOCL, ONGC, GAIL,OIL,NRL which was incorporated on August 10, 2018 for implementing Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East. As per the Vision Document, the Gas Grid Project seeks to connect eight north eastern states of -Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim to the National Gas Grid through Baruani-Guwahati pipeline.

From Guwahati the pipeline extends to Numaligarh, Dimapur, Kohima and Imphal in one direction. Then from Shillong, Aizawl and Agartala in the second direction and to Itanagar in the third direction.