Nagaland: Achumbemo urges timely completion of foothill road

Reiterating his demand for quality work along the entire stretch of the Foothill Road construction, including five steel bridges in Bhandari sub-division, chairman SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon MLA has called for expediting work to meet the March 31, 2026 dateline.
Speaking at the SDPDB meeting held at the conference hall of the Summer House-cum-guest house Bhandari on February 13, Achumbemo urged construction companies, contractors, government departments, organizations, and the public of Yanmhon, Champang, and Bhandari areas to contribute positively as collective stakeholders in making the Foothill Road functional on time.
According to DIPR report, the meeting, attended by departmental officers, construction firms, NGOs, and public leaders, deliberated in detail on the ongoing 39-km stretch of the Foothill Road in Bhandari sub-division. Representatives of M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction assured commitment to complete the project by March 31, 2026, despite earlier delays caused by pending issues and monsoon rains. They informed that adequate manpower and machinery have now been deployed to ensure timely completion, including CD works and protection works.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Er. Kuhovi Sema, highlighted that construction of the five bridges was progressing satisfactorily and expected to be completed on schedule. Dr. Yanthungrhomo Mozhui, representing bridge construction firms, however, raised concerns regarding wing walls and appealed for proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and damage.
The meeting also discussed the PMGSY Sungkha Road project connecting six villages—Roni Old, Mongphio, Lishuyo, Sungkha, Lio Wokha, and Hayiyan. LLRPO president T. Amos Kikon lauded the MLA for bringing developmental works to the constituency but stressed that projects should be entrusted to those genuinely committed to public progress.
The house further resolved to adopt a Jatropha curcas plantation project under Bhandari as a viable long-term agricultural solution. Achumbemo emphasized that the project would create sustainable livelihood opportunities and transform the region’s economic landscape. Pemma Dorji, Managing Director of Terratroth Innovations, Sikkim, explained that Jatropha curcas, cultivated for bio-fuel and industrial raw materials, also prevents soil erosion, deters crop-raiding livestock, and reduces human-elephant conflict. He stated that around 5,000 hectares of land would be required in the first phase.
The meeting resolved to sensitize village councils, landowners, and farmers on the benefits of the project and encourage community participation. Issues of electricity connectivity for six villages—Mmhayan, Chanka, Yankhum, Old Wozhu, New Wozhu, and Litsuyan—were also discussed. Villagers sought to be brought under Wokha district for better maintenance. JE Power Bhandari, Er. Mhaden Murry, informed that three distribution transformers had been installed to upscale supply in needy areas.