A review meeting was held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima on 5th March 2025 under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, Minister incharge of Planning & Transformation and National Highway to assess the progress of ongoing National Highway projects and address critical issues hindering their smooth implementation. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the importance of regular review and coordination meetings to ensure timely completion of projects, reaffirming the government's commitment to prioritizing the development of National Highways.
The meeting started with the review of the Action Taken Report of last meeting held on 28th January 2025. While Majority of flagged issues were resolved, a few critical challenges remain unresolved. One of the key unresolved issues pertains to the land acquisition for the Peren-Dimapur (Package-V) and Kohima- Jessami (Package-II). On the Land Acquisition and Damage Compensation matter of the Peren-Dimapur (Package-V), DC Chumukedima informed that the delay in finalizing damage compensation was due to non-submission of the estimates by departments such as Horticulture, Agriculture and PWD (Housing). Additionally, rectification of alignment in certain sections has further delayed the process. However, he assured that the matter will be expedited and submitted to NHIDCL at the earliest.
On the Kohima-Jessami (Package-II), Deputy Chief Minister directed the Contractor to commence work immediately, warning of termination for undue delays. Both NHIDCL and Deputy Commissioner Phek also admonished the Contractor for non-performance which has caused significant hardship to the public.
The Executive Director NHIDCL highlighted disruptions in the Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon (Package-IV) project caused by the Konyak Union and Civil Society, citing concerns over the quality of work. These interruptions have resulted in time and cost overruns for the Government.
While acknowledging the role of civil society as a watchdog, the Deputy Chief Minister urged stakeholders to address grievances through proper channels rather than halting work. He emphasized that complaints regarding quality should be lodged with the District Administration or NHIDCL for verification. If claims are validated, appropriate action will be taken against the defaulting contractor.
Zeliang also informed that he will conduct an onsite inspection of the Kohima Bypass on 11th of March 2025 to address minor issues faced by the contractor and NHIDCL. This spot verification aims to ensure timely resolution of challenges and smooth progress of the project.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner & Secretary (Works & Housing) Kesonyu IAS, Commissioner & Secretary (Land Revenue) Zasekuolie Chusi, IAS, Executive Director NHIDCL, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Chumukedima, Phek and Meluri and representative from DC Office, Peren.
The government remains committed to addressing challenges and ensuring the timely completion of National Highway projects, which are critical to the State's infrastructure development and economic growth.
(DIPR)
