Start work in remaining NH-2 within 72 hours, Wokha JAC to authorities

DIMAPUR — The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which comprises representatives from various bodies within Wokha village, has issued a ‘final ultimatum’ to DC Wokha and TTC Infra India to begin remaining works of the ongoing NH-2 two-lane construction (KM 72.40 to KM 83) in Wokha district within 72 hours.

However, it said that the remaining works would be allowed to proceed only after rectification of discrepancies identified in all 106 locations, while demanding proper demarcation of land already compensated but left untouched by ongoing NH-2 two-lane construction as ‘government/department properties’.

The JAC said that it will be compelled to take its own course of action if the authorities fail to meet its demand.

The panel has alleged that the lack of seriousness on the part of the concerned authorities in addressing the genuine concerns of the public is brazenly apparent, citing a sequence of events and the latest TTC Infra India letter dated August 10.

The contractor had mentioned in the letter that the ongoing work has been delayed due to continued rainfall in the region and less labour, while assuring to pick the pace after the rainy season.

It may be noted that on June 19, the JAC had demanded ‘the removal of all structures that have been compensated in 106 locations’ at a meeting convened by DC Wokha at the DC conference hall.

Following the meeting, the release said, DC Wokha and executive engineer PWD (NH) Wokha division signed a written assurance that stated, “The PWD (NH) department and District Administration Wokha assured to continue to carry out eviction drives to address the issues pertaining to 106 locations. The house decided to set a timeframe of 15 days for completion of the drive.”

With this written assurance, the JAC called off the planned indefinite bandh along NH-2 in Wokha, from 6 am on June 20, 2023, until the demands were met.

The demands included that the concerned authority address all 106 marked discrepancies within the ROW; the contractor reconstruct/rectify the pavement alignments, drainages, and all substandard retaining walls, breast walls, and culverts along the entire stretch following rectification of the ROW by the appropriate authority; and that the responsible authority immediately examine discrepancies and initiate proceedings against those involved in misappropriation of compensation funds, which totals up to a staggering INR 18 crore.

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