Landslide at Viswema snaps NH 29

Heavy rain washes away 150 meters of highway, disconnects Manipur

Morung Express News
Viswema | July 15  

After a three-hour heavy downpour yesterday, a major landslide occurred at the NH 29 in Viswema village completely washing away 150 meters of the highway, which connects Nagaland with Manipur. It has also affected the connecting road to Zuketsa area, another major route for commuters in Phek.  

The heavy rainfall had continued from 5:30 am to 8:30 am yesterday morning, according to a villager from Viswema. Meanwhile, Razoukhrül Kechü, Head GB of the village informed that the landslide had started at11:00 pm on July 14 and lasted till 2:10 am on July 15 when the villagers heard a loud noise of mud sliding down.

The landslide has completely disconnected the lifeline of Manipur which depends on this route for transportation of its commodities, fuel, building constructions, trade and other necessities. Besides Manipur, Khuzama and Kidima villages under the Southern Angami region will be affected as the highway is also their major connectivity to the capital Kohima.  

Besides the Viswema-Zuketsa route which has been blocked by the NH 29 landslide, the Kigwema-Chakhabama route has also been blocked by landslides, while another alternative route from Chedema-Kezo town-Kidima can only cater to light vehicles.  

The Jiribam-Tamenglong road, an alternative route for Manipur, has also been cut off due to a landslide. The only alternative route for Manipur for now is the Maram-Peren road, which is under construction after a landslide which took two lives recently.  

“For many years, the land here in this road has been sinking. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) has been maintaining it but because of the heavy rainfall, the landslide occurred. Earlier there have been mild landslides, but this is the first major landslide Viswema has experienced,” stated the Head GB, who has been assisting in managing the disaster.  

Although some constructions have been made over the years, no preventive measures have been taken by the concerned authorities despite the section being a sinking area, stated Er. Visakhol Kiso, President, Viswema Youth Organisation. In the previous years, about 10 to 15 ft of the road had sunk.     

Volunteers assist commuters

Since 4:30 am today, around 300 volunteers from Viswema village comprising Viswema Youth Organisation, Viswema Students’ Union, Village Council, Sweba Youth Organisation, and the Community Health Center, Viswema began clearing the jungles to make two makeshift paths for commuters besides assisting in the transportation of the travelers and commuters by carrying the luggage. Some army men also volunteered in helping the commuters.  

Around 3000 to 4000 travelers had been assisted from early morning till afternoon. Taxis are also stationing on both ends to cater to the commuters.It may also be mentioned that despite the intensity of the landslide, only one single machinery (JCB Excavator) was at the affected area clearing the road.  

The elders and leaders at the affected area have further expressed apprehension over the torrential rainfall, which if continues, will further intensify the landslide. “If it does not rain for the next three days, then the road can be constructed,” said Kechü.  

Kajichew Pfoze, an entrepreneur from Manipur mentioned that the landslide will affect the neighboring State in many ways. Besides the huge loss that will be incurred in business – at least three pickup trucks of vegetables are brought to Kohima on a daily basis, the petrol and diesel supply in Manipur will be seriously affected. “Our lifeline has completely been cut off. Anything to do with building constructions, groceries, and transportation comes from Dimapur and we are totally dependent on the National Highway,” said Pfoze.  

SAYO reminds travel rates will remain the same

The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has meanwhile informed the public, travelers, and taxis that the travel rates in the landslide affected area will remain the same. It further warned that no taxis will take advantage of the prevailing situation.  

Small vehicles can ply via BSF camp-Kezocha-Kidima road

The SDO Jakhama, Alemwapang Longchar has informed that the initial work for repairing the road has been started by the BRO and most of the heavy machineries will be arriving at night, after which work will begin in full swing. Longchar further mentioned that it may take 3 to 4 days for the normal functioning of the highway depending on the weather condition. Small vehicles can ply via BSF camp-Kezocha-Kidima road, informed the SDO.