KOHIMA: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who also serves as the Minister in charge of National Highways, has emphasized that good road connectivity is crucial for the overall growth of the state.
During a review meeting with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on Tuesday, Zeliang discussed various issues related to ongoing highway projects in Nagaland. A total of 19 key issues were flagged, 15 of which were related to land acquisition.
Addressing concerns over landowners refusing access to contractors despite receiving compensation, Zeliang directed district authorities to issue a final notice for evacuation and self-demolition of structures. If the notice is ignored, he authorized the administration to take necessary action to clear the Right of Way (RoW) for construction work. He stressed that a few vested interests should not hinder progress at the cost of the larger public.
The deputy CM also instructed district officials to resolve all pending land acquisition matters by February and submit an action-taken report. Given the early onset of monsoon in the region, he urged authorities to expedite resolutions in coordination with Gaon Buras (GBs) and village council chairpersons.
Deputy CM Zeliang was dissatisfied with the slope protection work on the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane road. He found issues with the Right of Way (RoW) records. The contractor, M/s Maccaferri, said NHIDCL did not have records of the RoW issued in 2013-14. Zeliang asked NHIDCL to work with NHAI to find the documents, as NHAI had handled the land acquisition at that time.
The meeting also reviewed progress on key road projects, including:
- Peren-Dimapur – Package II & V
- Dimapur-Kohima – Package I, II & III
- Kohima Bypass – Package I, II, III & IV
- Kohima-Jessami – Package II, III, IV & V
- Akhegwo to Avangkhu – Package I & II
In conclusion, Zeliang directed the NHIDCL Executive Director (P) Kohima to coordinate with his office and finalize an inspection tour of national highway projects at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by the NHIDCL Executive Director (P) Kohima, deputy commissioners of Chumukedima, Phek, and Meluri, ADC Jalukie from the DC Peren office, and a revenue officer from the DC Kohima office.