The All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) on Monday raised concern over the collapse of a portion of the road near the Hoj market in Papum Pare district. The precarious condition of the road is reportedly posing a big threat to the motorists who use the road. The Papu-Yupia-Hoj-Potin road was constructed under the Trans-Arunachal Highway project. Even though this stretch of road is hardly two years old, the condition of road is pathetic. In several stretches, the highway has been completely washed away. Further, landslides have caused massive damage to the road.
In many stretches, landslides have not been properly removed and still pose a big threat. The ANYA has rightly pointed out that the authorities have kept this road unattended for the last few years. This road serves as a lifeline for the people of East Kameng, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts. The army and other forces posted along the India-China border are also dependent on this road. The condition of the highway has been deteriorating over the years, but no effort is being made to repair it. The entire stretch, starting from Papu to Potin, is virtually in shambles. If urgent repair work is not carried out before the onset of monsoon, things may get terrible in the coming months. It is shocking that the state government, in particular the PWD highway department, is not able to maintain a newly-constructed highway located near the state capital. The negligent attitude of the department is now posing a risk to the lives of lakhs of people who use the Papu-Yupia-Hoj-Potin road.