REMIND NHIDCL & CONTRACTORS TO STICK TO THE 72-HR DEADLINE TO CLEAR ROAD
Nagaland deputy chief minister TR Zeliang, who is also minister in-charge of National Highways, along with minister women resource development and horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse inspected the landslide area on NH-29 near Dzüdza bridge on Wednesday.
In a press release, deputy CM office media cell informed that both Zeliang and Kruse urged the NHIDCL and contractors to stick to the 72-hour deadline set by the state government for clearing of debris and opening of road.
Interacting with NHIDCL officials, contractors and Western Angami Public Organization (WAPO) leaders at the mudslide site, Zeliang expressed deep concern over lackadaisical approach to the problem by the implementing agency and contractors causing inordinate delay in clearing of debris.
The deputy chief minister said that the problem created by natural calamity could have been tackled in a far better way and the inconvenience caused to the masses could have been mitigated had the NHIDCL and contractors heeded the instructions and suggestions rendered during quarterly monsoon preparedness meeting.
He said NHIDCL and contractors had “totally failed” to abide by the resolutions adopted during meeting. Zeliang also said that the problem was aggravated due to the cessation of restoration arising out of misunderstanding between NHIDCL and contractors.
Further, Zeliang said the required machineries and manpower were not deployed by the contractor at the mudslide zone for timely clearance. He said the contractor should not take advantage of the situation and make any excuses in such kind of situation when people were suffering.
He told NHIDCL to serve notice to the contractor if the later continued to cease work. Zelaing further urged NHIDCL to use upgraded technology and modern engineering in a place like Nagaland where mudslides was a common problem and prepare in advance for any eventualities in future. He also directed DC Kohima to call frequent coordination meeting for smooth execution of the works. NHIDCL assured that the road would be opened by August 29 afternoon.