A Long Wait for Northeast India: Unfinished Road Project Leaves Residents in Limbo
Eight years have passed since the initiation of a crucial road project in the Lower Dibang Valley and Dibang Valley districts of Northeast India. This 74-km greenfield road project, connecting Roing to Anini via NH 313, promises to offer an alternative, safer route, bypassing the Mayudia Pass road, which is notoriously narrow and dangerous, especially during winters and monsoons.
Delayed Progress and Quality Concerns
However, residents of the affected areas, such as Anini, are growing increasingly frustrated with the slow progress and questionable quality of work. Dipen Molo, the president of the BJP's Dibang Valley district unit, has written multiple letters to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and district administrations, voicing public concerns. Despite these efforts, the project remains incomplete, eight years after its award to PH Construction.
Benefits and Support for the Project
Once completed, this project is expected to significantly benefit the people of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley, as well as boost the tourism sector. Molo emphasized that the local people fully support the project and are raising concerns only to expedite its completion, not to create obstacles.
Environmental Concerns and Legal Actions
In 2024, environmental activist Rakhini Mipi raised concerns over the quality of work on the same project, while in 2021, Mipi filed an application before the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) eastern bench in Kolkata, alleging violations of environmental laws and reckless muck dumping. The tribunal found the charges to be valid and imposed compensation on the construction agency.
NHIDCL's Response and Challenges
When contacted, an NHIDCL official claimed that work is progressing smoothly on the ground, with initial land acquisition issues being the primary cause of the delay. The official acknowledged the project's complexity due to challenging terrain, which contributes to its prolonged timeline.
For Northeast India, the completion of this road project would not only improve connectivity but also enhance the region's tourism potential. The ongoing delay, however, underscores the need for stricter oversight and accountability in infrastructure development projects to ensure timely completion and adherence to environmental regulations.
Looking Ahead
As the people of Lower Dibang Valley and Dibang Valley continue to wait for the completion of this crucial project, it is crucial for the authorities to address the concerns raised by the locals and ensure that the work progresses at an acceptable pace. The successful completion of this project will not only benefit the residents of the affected districts but also contribute to the overall development of Northeast India.