Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has expressed dismay over the state government for “holding the process of the ongoing SARDP two-lane project of Longleng-Changtongya road, Mon-Tamlu-Merangkong road, Phek-Pfutsero road and Zunheboto-Chakabama road in Nagaland.
NTC media cell recalled that the CA was entered between CE (PWD), Nagaland and M/s. Maytas-Gayatri (JV) on February 2011 with CA amount of Rs. 1130.66 crore and the work to commence from February, 2011. However, NTC said due to serious disputes that arose between the contractor and the authorities, the contractor had abandoned the work.
After series of litigations, NTC said that the Supreme Court had ordered the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to retender the contract by initiating fresh process. It said that the court also directed MoRTH and Nagaland government to ensure completion of the project within a period of three years and six months from January 11, 2017.
In this regard, MoRTH was directed to conduct fresh tender of the project by following the contemplated procedure. The Supreme Court also directed the state government to make available encumbrance free land required for improvement of two lane highways. According to NHIDCL, NTC said MoRTH had already prepared the process for retendering. However, the state government was yet to provide land encumbrance free clearance even after a lapse of seven calendar months, forgoing one workable season, NTC pointed out.
Further, NTC made known that the NHIDCL was fully prepared to implement the project on EPC basis, which would be transparent and no interference from any other authorities where jobs completion reports will be subjected to physical verification backed by photographs and visual evidences for any clearance to pay the contractors.
Therefore, NTC has asked the state government to take the matter seriously and issue the encumbrance free clearance, without which it said the project execution cannot proceed.
Meanwhile, NTC appreciated the chief secretary for his assurance to expedite necessary process to give land encumbrances free clearance without any further delay. NTC also appreciated NHIDCL for preparedness and assurances to give priority to the project. Further, NTC appealed to all concern, particularly the villages in the localities to give all possible cooperation for smooth execution and early completion of work.
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