Poor roads in Dima Hasao deter development

Haflong,  Sept 11: Though road is considered to play a pivotal role in developing the socio-economic condition of the society, but here in Dima Hasao the poor condition of roads has deterred the development of the district, conscious people opined.

With the return of peace in Dima Hasao, the momentum of development was about to pick up but the communications, be it railway or surface, with other places of the district and State were in pitiable condition since long due to the indifferent attitude of NHAI and its associates, following which strong resentment prevails among the people of the district.

Recently on September 7, the N C Hills indigenous Students’ Forum staged a road blockade at Jatinga with the demand of immediate completion of Jatinga-Harangajao roads and others along with other demands, which was called off following an assurance of a meeting with CGM NHAI soon. On September 8 a prelimiry meeting was held between NHAI and NCHISF in the chamber of the Project Director, NHAI. The NCHISF president was accompanied by Retzawl Areas Branch president, Jatinga president and Harangajao president.

The meeting discussed regarding dumping compensation. It was decided that the Project Director (PD), NHAI will issue a letter to both NKC and JKM construction company to immediately clear the dumping compensation. Regarding affected land beyond RoW, the PD informed that he would  send reminder letter to the Council Revenue Secretary to submit all necessary estimate bill which will be discusses during the meeting with CGM for fil decision. Regarding maintence of Jatinga-Harangajao road, the PD said he would discuss with the CGM so that the PD light engage suitable contractor who would immediately start the maintence work. The PD also informed that he had already sent the estimate of Mahur town bridge for approval. Regarding government proposal for converting Jatinga-Harangajao four-lane road to two-lane road, he informed that he had no authority so he asked the students’ body to raise the issue during the CGM’s visit to Haflong. Repairing of village approach roads will be done after the completion of four-lane construction. When Karge Kamki, DGM (T) Project Director stationed at Haflong, was contacted he said that he was not sure whether the CGM was coming to Haflong next week.

 Meanwhile, it is alleged that one Monotush Mazumder associated with NHAI as consultant held the people of Dima Hasao responsible for the poor condition of the NH 54 and its development. This has again proved that some unscrupulous people were not willing to complete construction of NH 54 E through Dima Hasao for reasons best known to them.