Pathetic condition of NH 39 & NH 36 makes life miserable in East Karbi Anglong

Bokajan: The busy NH 39, which serves as the principal link to the states of Nagaland and Manipur, passing through Bokajan via Nambor Reserve Forest in East Karbi Anglong, is in a pathetic condition causing an extreme level of inconveniences to commuters.

This stretch is part of the Asian Highway 1 (AH1) which acts as India's gateway to other South East Asian countries via Myanmar. A 65 KM stretch of road this road running between Nambor Reserve Forest and Lahorijan in Assam Nagaland interstate border is replete with trenches and potholes. Strewn with up to one feet deep ditches, the poor condition of this road poses a serious threat to life and property.

Same is the condition of a 40 KM stretch of NH 36 which connects Nagaland and Manipur via Dokmoka and Manja in Karbi Anglong district. The 40 KM stretch running between Manja and Purna Lahorijan in the interstate border is of no exception. The condition of this stretch has also deteriorated beyond repair. Constant traffic and lack of repair have eroded the metal layer of these roads. The exposed mud surface absorbs rainwater and trucks carrying essential commodities either get stuck in the loose sludge or sometimes overturn creating congestion in vehicular traffic along the highway. Frequent other mishaps are also at commonplace along this stretch of the highway.

Vehicular accidents and break downs lead to frequent traffic snarls in the highways

The poor condition of this unmotorable road is also a burning a hole in the pockets of the common man. Vehicle owners are the worst affected as maintenance cost among vehicles plying on this highway runs high. Hordes of wrecked trucks stranded along this stretch is a regular sight. Traffic snarls are also frequent here as overturned trucks restrict the movement of vehicles disrupting regular traffic along the highway on a regular basis.

"Situations turns worse at times of rains and the ditches filled with rainwater makes it difficult for drivers to gauge the depth and leads to frequent breakdown among vehicles. Commuters are leading a miserable life struggling to sail through this stretch on a regular basis. Accidents are also at the common place as the risk of vehicles toppling these ditches always runs high." A local said on conditions of anonymity.

Over the years, the poor condition of these roads has failed to draw the attention of the concerned department as no repair work has been taken up in the past decade. Irked by the department's apathy the Bokajan Truck Owners Association had voluntarily filled up a section of these barraged ponds like ditches with sand rubble close to the Assam-Nagaland interstate border. However, this too failed to gain any desired results as the ditches resurfaced in a short spell of rain and constant vehicular traffic along the highway.