Vikheho visits Phesama landslide area

During his visit to the affected site, the minister interacted with the BRO officials and leaders of Phesama village council (PVC). 

Vikheho said the state government has considered and accepted the long-pending proposal of PVC for fresh cutting and construction of new exit route for Naga Heritage Village Kisama. He said the department would execute the work in collaboration with PVC once the rainy season was over. 

Expressing concern over the destruction of over 40 houses, huge area of field and a stretch of NH-2, which is the lifeline of Southern Angami region and Manipur state, the minister appealed to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for early restoration of the road.

Minister also requested the BRO to explore ways and means to realign the road or construct a by-pass, saying the present route would continue to sink even in the future.

Further, Vikheho assured to provide machineries towards PVC’s proposal for connecting the agri-link road without linking landslide area, which would also be an alternate route for light vehicles.

BRO official maintained that the inclement weather has been disrupting the road clearance work. 

Stating that realignment or by-pass connection were proposals for the long run, the official, however, said presently the BRO was working hard to make the road pliable at the shortest possible time.

The minister was accompanied by additional chief engineer and engineers of PWD (R&B).

Vikho-o Yhoshü, MLA 14 Southern Angami-I Assembly Constituency, has appealed to the concerned authorities of the government to extend help to the affected families and provide immediate relief in terms of materials and cash and compensation for the affected houses and properties. MLA also appealed for long term restoration and protection of the village and NH and construction of by-pass roads.

Meanwhile, Yhoshü extended gratitude to all who have been actively rendering valuable services in various ways since the landslide occurred at Phesama.

Yhoshü also expressed gratitude to Nuklutoshi, minister (NH, S&WC, Election), Vikheho Swu, minister PWD (R&B), chief secretary, DC Kohima and team, NSDMA, Phesama villagers, youth and all concerned government officials, civil society groups, neighbouring villages and institutions for helping the affected people and the weary travellers. 

While commending BRO’s job in clearing the road, Yhoshü however said the calamity was too huge and severe to be contained with human efforts at the moment. 

KVYO appeals: Kezoma Village Youth Organization (KVYO) has requested heavy vehicles not to ply along Chakhabama-Mao road. KVYO said its appeal was being made so as to avoid further damage to the road, which was only lifeline connecting Kezoma and other neighbouring villages.

DDMA visits site: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) led by ADC Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi visited the affected site and interacted with Phesama village council members on Tuesday.  DDMA contributed relief materials to the families, who were taking care of the affected families and also to the village council volunteers.

According to a DIPR report, a total number of 45 houses have been evacuated so far. 

It was informed that the police, home guards, neighbouring villages including Viswema, Jakhama, Kigwema, Pfuchama and Mima etc. were assisting in dismantling houses from the affected area.

Volunteers  from St. Josphen’s College, Jakhama; St. Paul’s School, Phesama; Japfu Christian College, New Reserve, youths from neighbouring Villages and other organisations have been helping stranded travellers by carrying their luggage from Phesama to Kigwema. 

It was also informed that the Project 72 Hrs also visited the affected site and contributed their services and mineral water to the volunteers.