Nagaland govt gives 72 hrs to NHIDCL to clear NH-29

Dimapur: The Nagaland government took a serious view of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and the contractors concerned in failing to clear the debris and open NH-29 for traffic.

In a notice dated August 26, the state government gave the NHIDCL 72 hours to clear and open this critical National Highway for regular traffic which is the lifeline to the state capital Kohima, and several other districts of the state.

The highway remained completely cut off since last week following a massive landslide near Melaru under Sechu-Zubza in Kohima district.

The notice issued by commissioner and secretary to the state government, Kesonyu Yhome, said following the meeting held in the conference hall of the chief secretary on the subject on August 26, the matter was further discussed at the highest level of the state government.

It observed that this is not the first time the NHIDCL has failed even though the state machinery and the villagers have offered all possible support and assistance to it in the restoration work.

“In case of failure by the NHIDCL to open the road for traffic within the said period, the state government will employ required machinery and manpower to open the road and the bills on expenditure incurred will be submitted to the NHIDCI for payment,” Yhome said.