Roads to nowhere

Roads in Dimapur are deteriorating at a fast pace since no effort has been made to take up even minor repairs when needed. This newspaper highlighted the deterioration in several roads during the recent past. The authorities have responded with repair works in some stretches but most remain untouched and as a result, there has been major deterioration. Take the case of the National Highway No 36 from Dillai gate at Karbi Anglong to – PWD Road – Midland – GS Road – Station Road – Tragopan junction. This newspaper had sometime in 2013 written that this particular road stretch had no pothole nor showed any sign of wear and tear and in near perfect condition since its construction in 2000 while all other roads constructed or re-laid, deteriorated within five years. However by 2019 small patches of this road showed signs of wear and tear and this newspaper in 2021 again highlighted the need for time repairs before the condition worsened especially from the Rangapahar tri-junction. However there was no action but only assurance from the department that repair works would begin. The deterioration spread and today driving along this stretch from Rangapahar tri-junction to Directorate supply and from Midland to Dhobinalla has turned into an ordeal. The condition of the other stretch of the NH 36, from Dhobinalla junction along GS road is also in deplorable condition and has been so for so many years but the department responsible is yet to take steps to repair and re-carpet it. During monsoon, some portions of the road are inundated when drains get clogged. This leads to further deterioration and if the past is any indication, it could continue for some more time. Even other stretches of the road from Clock Tower junction to Notun Bosti junction is gradually deteriorating and unless the small patches are repaired, the condition will only worsen in the coming days especially with the advent of monsoon rain. It is difficult to understand why road repair works are not being undertaken as soon as there are visible signs of wear and tear. In order to ensure that roads are able to last at least till ten years, the department should ensure that quality of materials and workmanship are of high standard. In contrast roads in nearby Karbi Anglong are not only of high quality but also are being widened to accommodate growing traffic. Due to lack of action from the department, residents of several colonies in Dimapur have taken it upon themselves, the responsibility to repair the roads since they have been left with no choice. Residents of three colonies under Burma camp including power house colony, Dr Haralu and Namgalong colony had repaired the road at power house colony near electrical department office since their letter to the department in 2018 fell on deaf ears. The situation has led to public outcry against band roads and this was even taken up as an issue when the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC), along with Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) minority cell, organised a protest rally against bad roads in Marwaripatti area and Dhobinala junction in October 2021. The lesson is not only about a stitch in time but also that the local economy would suffer in the long run.