Vehicular movements were disrupted along National Highways (NH) 29 and 2 Tuesday night as massive landslides triggered by incessant monsoon rains blocked roads at numerous locations.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded along NH-29 between Patkai Bridge and Kukidolong after heavy mudslides completely submerged the roads in ten places.
On NH-2, Kohima-Wokha road near Meriema village some 10 km away from Kohima, landslide measuring around 150 feet blockaded the road, leaving a number of vehicles and commuters stranded.
Swift restoration works carried out Wednesday along NH-29 in a joint effort by 15 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) personnel, Dimapur police, administration, municipal council and Chumukedima youth volunteers cleared off three massive landslides between Patkai bridge and Kukidolong area that had left hundreds of vehicles and thousands of commuters stranded since Tuesday night.
The chain of landslides was triggered by heavy downpours during the preceding two nights. Debris of the landslide, including trees and boulders, were cleared off.
DC Dimapur, N Hushili Sema, SP Dimapur, VZ Angami and CEO DMC, Orenthung Lotha along with others visited the affected areas.
SP Dimapur, VZ Angami informed that the landslides were cleared off and vehicles could safely move as long as there are no more torrential downpours and landslides.
Commandant of the 15 BRTF Col. Tejpal Singh said road clearing work began since wee hours Wednesday. He however said work was still on in some vulnerable portions.
Water pipeline damaged
Water supply to Dimapur town, Chumukedima area and surrounding villages has been disrupted due to damage of main pipe line by landslide between Patkai bridge and Peren bridge on July 16. In this connection, Executive Engineer, PHED Urban Division Er T Imtiakum has informed all consumers to bear the inconveniences till the pipeline is restored.
Kma-Wka road landside
Another landslide measuring approximately 150 feet span blocked the road along National Highway 2 (Kohima-Wokha road) Meriema village area, Tuesday night due to heavy rainfall. BRTF, under the Border Roads Organization (BRO) assisted by the locals have been pressed into action for road clearing. Though some portions have been partially cleared, BRTF and the locals have been working round the clock to clear the road block.
Phesama: Road alignment
Following the massive landslide in Phesama area that cut-off Nagaland and Manipur road connectivity, a new road alignment has been proposed and earth cutting would begin from September next.
Informing this, Col. Tejpal Singh said the proposed road alignment work can be finished within two-three weeks time, depending on the weather conditions.
Singh said once the work starts, vehicle(s) will not be allowed to ply along this area. Meanwhile, landowners of the new alignment affected areas who have readily agreed to provide land were also assured compensation.
Manipur-bound goods landen trucks have been re-routed via Kohima-Chakhabama-Jakhama road and Kohima-Pfütsero-Tadubi road.
Stranded bus passengers from Manipur made alternative arrangements by taxis to cross the landslide.
Rio visits landslide areas
Visiting the two landslide affected areas– Phesama and Meriema villages, chief minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday expressed serious concern and urged that all out effort should be made to restore the roads at the earliest.
Rio urged also asked departments like relief and rehabilitation, roads and bridges, disaster management authority, agriculture, forest and land revenue to make proper assessment of loss of property and cultivations and come to aid the affected people.
The chief minister also said the entire State should be alert to similar disaster particularly during monsoon season.
Rio was accompanied by Roads & Bridges minister Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, parliamentary secretary Housing, Treasuries & Accounts, Vikho-ü Yoshu, Southern Angami Youth Organization, Northern Angami Youth Organization, Phesama villagers and other government officials including district administration and BRTF officials.
It maybe mentioned that the Phesama village and Southern Angami youth organization numbering around 40-50 has set up camps to assist stranded vehicles and passengers since July 12.
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