Popular Mystery of Tuensang; NH-202

With the recent announcement by Dy. CM and Minister In-charge National Highways about the approval of 33 National Highways in Nagaland during the headed 2nd session of 14th NLA where the project’s allocation are not public yet, it is hopefully aspired that NH-202 (extend from Mokokchung – Tuensang – Shamator – Kiphire) is enlisted with the thoughtful mind of the legislature. Considering that land surveys were carried out in the recent years for two lane expansion of the highway.
The last carpeting work at NH-202 known to the public was done during 2015-16 which didn’t even last for a season where local organisations demanded repairing time and again but remained to public dismay as usual. Also, during 2020-21 it was learned that a major repairing works are to be undertaken at the stretch between Mokokchung to Tuensang till 107 km point by NHIDCL and department concern (which was promptly raised by DAPC for strict fulfillment as per DPR) but only a minute portion was covered (mostly stretch under Mokokchung district) with the slimmest posible black-topping which again can be relate to same back story.
The NH-202 is at the verge of collapsing where deplorable at the peak is one factor but small bridges along the road are all rusted and distorted where vehicles are hardly plying with the support of additional steel sheets or sometimes logs. Wondering how long this has to be like this?
The district administrations (Mokokchung and Tuensang) on many occasions would give directions for either diversion of road or weight reduction for trucks due to existing intimating conditions and such is the propagation of this wrinkled dynamic highway.
It may be off the records from public attention but none of the legislatures from these districts have raised a slightest concern over NH-202 at the NLA session nor can we see them actually interested for improvement of the road even at the ground or community level. Though there were active protest at Tuensang town from the students community just before the commencement of the second NLA session demanding atleast immediate repairing of the highway extend from Sao Chang (Govt) College to main town Tuensang (approx. 7 kms). And, with no practical adherence from any responsible agencies (apart from consultation from the district administration’s ends) the issue should be framed the least concern from the govt. to address the matter.
To be noted that, this is the only proper road lifeline for three districts (Tuensang, Shamator & Noklak) and commuters are enduring the challenges for decades like a good citizen and accepted the travelling hardships as natural part of their lives.
Nato Y Chang
Saksi, Tuensang