CM accords top priority to road connectivity in Aruchal

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Feb 29: According top priority to road connectivity in the State and underscoring the importance of proper surface communication for economic activity, chief minister Kalikho Pul accompanied by chief engineer Highway Bora Ete, DC and SP capital, on Sunday made a whirlwind inspection of tiol Highway 415 from Chandragar to Banderdewa.

Taking first-hand information on the strategic road connecting the twin capital city of the State, the chief minister was appalled by the delay in the work that was planned and designed in the year 2007-2008.

Land acquisition, improper earmarking of Right of Way (ROW) and high cost involvement were reasoned for the delay, to which the CM reacted questioning the confusion on actual length of ROW, an official communiqué informed here today.

In 2001, the RWO was 30 metres, in 2006 it was made 40 metres and in 2013 the cabinet revised the ROW to 22-24 meters against the actual CPWD manual requirement which was 60 meters.

The highway engineers, clarified that the present requirement for Itagar to Banderdewa would be 30 meters in built up area and 40 meters in open area. Having an overview of the issues, CM said that though tiol highways are funded by the central government, a collective approach and support from all stakeholder is important.

The chief minister on the day directed to deal with compensation issues tactfully with a positive approach of having an all-weather road for the capital region. He, however, assured that the State government would maintain the stretch of road from Banderdewa to Itagar on timely manner and wherever central support is required, he would approach and plead the Prime Minister and the Union Ministry for necessary funds to complete the projects. He assured to complete the maintence work of culvert, road of the entire stretch within a year time. He also announced to upkeep the roads from the vital inter-State check gates up to the district headquarter like Banderdewa to Itagar, Shantipur to Roing, Dirak Gate to msai, Jairampur, Deomali, Changlang, Bhalukpong etc.

While assuring to maintain all sector roads in 2016, chief minister instructed DC to issue an executive order prohibiting dumping of muds on the road. He also asked the DC and SP to do rounds of the capital complex to stop such illegal activities.

The contractors or the persons digging or bulldozing muds should clear the debris so that the road is maintained and cleanliness is ensured, he added.

The chief minister also appealed to the denizens to keep the ROW of sectors and highway and support the government in realising the dream of four lane highways, the communiqué added.