ITANAGAR, The work on the first-ever 2 lane state highway being constructed in between Itanagar to Jote has started from Khamir village under the Sangdupota circle of Papum Pare district. The 20 KM part of the long highway is being taken up by PWD Doimukh division and the contractor is Bhimji Bhelji Sarothia private limited, Gujarat.
Talking to the media, SE PWD T Kamsi informed that it will be a national standard 2 lane highway. “It is the first 2 lane state highway with formation and carriage width of 12 mtr and 7 mtr respectively. It includes 17. 40 KM widening, embankment of 2.60 KM, pucca drain of 11.93 KM, and protection wall of 926 meters,” said SE Kamsi.
The work from the Itanagar side has not been started as of now. “The process to get forest clearance of 7 KM under the wildlife area is in progress. In the first phase, we have started work from the area which does not fall under wildlife. As soon forest clearance is received, work will start from the Itanagar side too,” added SE PWD. He also shared that 5 bridges will be taken up in the second phase. The total cost of the project is Rs 90 crore but the tender winner bid for Rs 80 crore.
Meanwhile, ZPM of Upper Balijan Hina Camder Tok along with Panchayat leaders visited the construction site on Sunday to take stock of the ground situation of the work.
Later talking to the media, the ZPM said being a local representative the elected Panchayat leaders will regularly monitor the progress of the project. “Right from the start of work till its completion we will monitor the project. This project should be constructed in such a way that it becomes an example for the rest of the state. I appeal to people of the area to extend cooperation to the contractor and PWD for early completion of the project,” he said.
He also said utility shifting will be done by respective departments. “All departments including PHED, Power, etc have been issued an order by the district administration to start utility shifting and they are complying with the order. Also, we are talking to private owners whose properties fall under ROW to clear the way on their own. No compensation will be paid in this project,” added ZPM Hina.
He also extended gratitude to leaders of the state in particular CM Pema Khandu, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, MP Nabam Rebia, and local Tana Hali for sanctioning the Itanagar to Jote road on priority.
“In the future, this road will go up to Lemi in Pakke Kessang. MLAs Biyuram Wahge and Tana Hali are pursuing the matter. Another road from Sangdupota to Seijosa is also on plan,” said ZPM Hina.
Later a team of All Papum Poma Students Union (APPSU) led by Nabam Hina, Vice President, the Gongu-Khamair GPC Techi Nyajung Tara, and Sangdupota Circle BJP President Nabam Naku has also appeal the general public and local resident to extend support and cooperation so that the quality of the work of the road is not compromised and the work done smoothly without any hindrance. also visited the construction site. The members of APPSU said they will not allow any compromise with work quality and also urged authorities to properly clear ROW before starting the work.
Meanwhile, the attorney of the Bhimji Bhelji Sarothia private limited, Ngurang Changriang said that after our firm was awarded the work we have without wasting of any time has started the work on the stretch on Friday
The public utility like PHED Pipelines, electric poles and telephone poles and telephone lines is still there and urge upon the officers of the concerned department and district administration to cleared the notified ROW so that in case the ROW is clear the work can be taken up in a place as per priority and convinces. Changriang added.
We have placed sufficient tools and plants deployed to carry out the work on war footing in the clear weather condition. Changriang further said.
