Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has raised serious concerns about the road condition of NH-39 (now NH-2/A-1), a vital roadway. SAPO president Tepul Hopovi, general secretary Swelul Pucho, and general secretary Technical Committee Kevipopi, issued a statement shedding light on the ongoing issues.
SAPO has accused NHIDCL of unfairly blaming landowners for delays in the expansion and construction of the two-lane national highway. However, SAPO said landowners were yet to receive any compensation for their land, a grievance that dates back to the 18th century.
It said that the State government had assessed the damage liabilities and submitted compensation estimates to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2022. Despite submitting several memorandums to the Centre since 2002 including communication/letters by the chief minister in March and July 2022, it said their request had been “ignored and rejected”, showing no concern for the national highway.
In spite of being an important and shortest route and lifeline for the neighbouring states and districts, NH-2/ A-1 has been completely ignored and neglected by Government of India, SAPO said.
It said that Manipur government on the other hand remained indifferent and ungrateful, unsupportive to Nagaland government, particularly the Southern Angami, though this road had been serving as a vital link for their communication and trade, for generations.
SAPO said that the stakeholders have shown remarkable patience by allowing commuters to utilize the road for over a century without seeking any highway compensation or liabilities. However, SAPO said they rightfully insisted that the Government of India acquire the right-of-way (ROW) for a two-lane road with paved shoulders and bring it under the purview of the National Highway Act.
SAPO said that in 2002, it had proposed upgrading the road to four-lane, but their proposal was unfortunately overlooked by the Centre. However, in 2019, SAPO said the Centre under MoRTH had finally approved and sanctioned a two-lane upgrade for the existing National Highway.
To address these issues, SAPO said it formed a Technical Committee in 2020, headed by Engineer-in-Chief (Retd) of NPWD. It said NHIDCL obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Lerie/ Phesama Check Gate (Length 211.709 – 185.540 26.169 Km) to Mao Gate (Nagaland Political Boundary) for the construction of a 2-lane highway with an actual sanction cost of Rs. 315.63 cr., but brought down to Rs. 224.17 cr. and then quoted below 25% schedule with an actual working amount of Rs. 167.23 cr on October 20, 2020 with a spend time allocation of 549 days i.e. April 22, 2022. However, the amount was descoped to Rs.120.20 cr. For reason unknown, SAPO said the amount sanctioned covered a 2-lane having with the formation width of 11.00 – 12.00 metre road 7-metre carriage width, hard shoulder, drainage and necessary retaining wall, breast wall, toe wall, culverts and 5 numbers of important minor
SAPO maintained that the ongoing construction deviated significantly from the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR), using substandard materials that have led to structural failures.
SAPO said it had repeatedly called for transparency and accountability from NHIDCL and the contractor, questioning whether the work aligns with the DPR and the payment for the work done.
SAPO said it shall continue to endorse the demand/appeal of SAYO, requesting Nagaland governor and chief minister to depute officials to inspect and ensure the quality workmanship on NH-39/NH-2/A-1 executed by NHIDCL and the contractor.
It said there was a need to point out that root cause and make an independent observation and query as to who is right and wrong. Until then, SAPO said it shall support and endorse the demand of Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) for the interest and safety of commuters. “Human security and safety are our prime concerns and priority,” it added.
Further, SAPO called upon its frontal organizations and community to assist in providing alternative routes in their areas for transportation of essential goods to Imphal in view of the recent natural calamities faced by the State.