Roads in Our Capital City

Thinoneisie LhousaKohima citizenAs far as human resources and development are concerned, Nagaland is one of the best and fastest-developing states in the Indian Union. However, when we look at the condition of our roads, there is little to boast about. It is no secret that road conditions—even in the heart of our capital city, Kohima—are among the worst. Leaving aside the various interlinking roads, even the primary main road running through our capital city from bottom to top is in a severely degraded and deplorable state.As an ordinary citizen, I feel embarrassed when comparing our infrastructure to that of our neighbouring states. During the rainy season, it is impossible to walk along the roadside without taking protective measures, such as using a sturdy umbrella to shield oneself from splashing water. Out of civic responsibility, a few like minded individuals have taken it upon themselves to fill the worst potholes with bricks and stones.When walking along the pedestrian pathways beside the main road in the city centre, everyone must exercise extreme caution to avoid serious injury. Our state government seems to prioritize Naga sovereignty above all else, while turning a deaf ear to our immediate needs and urgent infrastructural requirements.The substandard condition of our capital city's roads does not align with its status, nor does it reflect good governance in the state.