Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) and Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) have called for urgent action to reopen the road between Chathe Bridge (Patkai) and New Chümoukedima village, which has been closed to four-wheelers since the September 3 landslide incident.
In a letter to Deputy Commissioner Chümoukedima, CPO president Zhato Kimho and vice-president Neikhriehu Kense said that CPO along with all frontal organizations had inspected the affected area on September 20, during which it was observed that the blockade imposed by authorities was unnecessary and causing significant hardship for commuters.
Travelers have been forced to take a longer route via the Old Check Post to New Chümoukedima, adding an hour to their journey.
CPO expressed concerns over the inadequate response from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), noting a lack of sufficient machinery and only six workers at the site. Citing reliable sources, CPO said the current construction for protection measures were temporary.
CPO emphasized that the public should not continue to suffer due to the handling of the mega project, which should have been initiated with proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before any developmental work began.
They expressed concern that without legal action against the responsible firms, there is a lack of confidence in the successful completion of the ongoing four-lane project in Nagaland.
CPO stated that since September 3, 2024, the public has endured significant hardships due to the road closure, and their repeated complaints have gone unheard. To alleviate the situation, CPO urged the DC’s assistance in lifting the blockade for four-wheelers.
Additionally, CPO expressed willingness to deploy local youth to assist with traffic management, to help ease congestion for commuters. CYO: In another statement, Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) also criticized the slow progress and poor workmanship on NH-29 between Chathe River Bridge and New Chumoukedima.
CYO president Seyieneilhou Keyho and general secretary Visielhoulie Kuotsu emphasized the hardships faced by the public due to the washed-away road, which has forced commuters to take a longer uphill bypass.
CYO recalled a representation made to the chief secretary in 2021, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the lack of quality workmanship by NHIDCL and urging immediate intervention to prevent potential disasters. CYO also highlighted the lack of adequate retaining walls, which led to significant road damage during the monsoon, noting that their previous appeals went unaddressed by the government.
CYO also sought to know the status of the FIR filed against NHIDCL and called for non-bailable arrest warrants against responsible parties under relevant laws.
Furthermore, CYO urged the district administration to permit all vehicles to pass through the narrow stretch (landslides affected area), offering to assist traffic personnel to ensure smooth movement.
They pointed out that, with only six workers on site, completion of the road could take another 5 to 6 months. In this regard, CYO has demanded the concerned authority to deploy more manpower and machinery to expedite the restoration process.