ON 11 july 2014, villagers of Changsang range and Sangshen range in Nagaland’s Tuensang district, mobilized by ECS, got together at river Yijung to inaugurate a 45-feet long wooden Bailey bridge built solely on their own effort. They had begun work on the bridge in February after waiting in vain for government assistance.
Everyone in the seven villages had a role cut out for him and her. But most amazing was the support from unanticipated individuals, members of the Naga Blog, caring friends from Mumbai and neighbouring village councils. The Zynorique Initiative headed by Richard along with few friends came to set up a watch tower made of pre-fabricated bamboo. Engineer L Choba volunteered to design the bridge and also supervise the construction. He would carry his own tiffin and come to oversee the work once every week.
Nagaland chief secretary Banuo Jamir appreciated ECS and the affirmative action by the people in not waiting for the government or others to solve their problem. She added there are similar initiatives but this bridge project was unique. Home secretary Lithrongla Chishi applauded the effort and thanked the people for doing Tuensang district proud through this noble initiative. Council members from villages such as Kiutsukiur, Shiponger and a few Phom villages went home inspired and saw the viability of such a bridge in their area.
The wooden Bailey bridge links a 6km road. It will enable patients from 15 villages to reach the hospital within one hour instead of 3-4 hours and reduce travel time to Assam from Tuensang by two hours via Longleng and Changtongya. Of the 6km stretch, 4km passes through 230 acres of orange orchards and this road will thus enable the citrus fruit to reach Assam in five hours. Besides, harvest from the paddy fields of three villages can now be transported by vehicle.
ECS founder Rev Chingmak explained why the villagers undertook the initiative. “Though India is considered an economic power, people in remote places have very little option but to rely on one’s own devices. And to wait for things to happen would only amount to self-deception and star gazing,” he said.
