The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima has issued an order directing the removal of various encroachments and obstructions along the Right of Way (RoW) of the National Highway. The order highlights concerns over construction materials, off-road vehicles and commercial and residential wastes placed within RoW of National Highway.

The order notes that several businesses, including tyre shops, timber and bamboo shops, vehicle workshops and metal fabrication shops have been displaying products outside their premises, encroaching upon the National Highway RoW. This practice, it states, has led to narrowing of the road, posing threat to both pedestrians and vehicles, resulting in severe traffic congestion and public inconvenience.

Additionally, the presence of open toilets, pig sties, loose tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and clogged drains along the National Highway has raised public health concerns.

The Deputy Commissioner has mandated that all such encroachments be cleared by 3rd November 2024. Non-compliance will lead to appropriate legal actions against defaulters as per the provisions of the law.

(Molungnenla IA Kohima)