HT Correspondent
NAHARLAGUN, Aug 24: The first consultative and coordination meeting on the construction of the landing and takeoff points of the NH-415 Package B flyover was held at the general ground of Model Village in Naharlagun on Saturday.
According to an official statement, hundreds of residents from Model Village jurisdiction participated in the meeting, which was convened to discuss the benefits and challenges linked to the ongoing flyover construction.
Related Posts:
Senior leaders, social workers, and local residents — many of whom have been living in the area since the NEFA days — shared their views during the meeting. Senior citizens recalled the establishment of Itanagar as the state capital and the subsequent expansion of the Capital Complex.
Local leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the non-provision of an officially signed map of Model Village jurisdiction, which they said was crucial both for the convenience of villagers and to protect the area from future encroachment.
Addressing the gathering, Itanagar Capital Complex MLA and Urban Affairs Minister Techi Kaso reminded residents of their role as land donors for the state capital.
“We should be grateful that we are the land donors of the state capital, so we have been patient for several years. What we are doing today is not for ourselves but for our future. Before raising any issue, we should see that our demand does not cause harm or loss to others. At the same time, we should not compromise with our problems but resolve them through discussion and consultation, like today we are doing,” he said.
He added that the presence of the Chief Engineer (Highways) and the Deputy Commissioner ensured that concerns would be taken up on priority in the wider public interest.
Capital Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, who chaired the discussions, urged participants to look beyond past grievances and focus on future prospects.
“Since joining as DC three months ago, I have taken up the main and important issue of the Itanagar Capital Complex — the construction of NH-415 Package B. I assure you that everything will be settled down,” he said.
The DC added that he has been closely monitoring the progress of the project, which is being carried out under directions from the court, and has instructed the executing agency and contractor to enhance manpower to speed up the work.
He acknowledged that the flyover construction had been halted at one end due to local concerns and announced the constitution of a committee to examine the pros and cons of the project and recommend a solution.
The committee will be headed by Naharlagun Assistant Commissioner Khonda Bath, with the Chairman, Secretary, and IPR Secretary of the Model Village Welfare Committee (MVWC) as members, along with other local representatives.
“I am hopeful that the issue of the construction of the flyover landing and takeoff will be resolved soon,” DC Babu said.
The meeting also saw participation from PWD highways chief engineer C S Choutan, MVWC chairman Nyaju Techi, General Secretary Dr Taba Konya, senior citizen and chief advisor Techi Toka, IPR Secretary and Coordinator Taba Tabang, advisor Techi Lala, Women Secretary Kipa Yatup, retired secretary Kapa Kholie, local resident Er Janu Tayeng (Tarh), and Head Gaon Bura Techi Murkhi, among others, who shared their experiences and advice.
Also present were Nirjuli Highway Executive Engineer Hage Tajang, Naharlagun Assistant Commissioner Khonda Bath, senior leader Taki Taba, GB Taba Changrang, Gram Panchayat Chairperson Taying Sonya, Gram Panchayat Member Tayeng Tagi, and other community representatives.
The official statement added that such meetings would continue to play a vital role in fostering dialogue, resolving disputes, and ensuring that infrastructure development in the Capital Complex proceeds in consultation with local communities.
