SAPO flags NHIDCL for delay, seeks immediate restoration
KOHIMA, JULY 11 (MExN): The Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged disruption of National Highway-29 at Phesama village, Kohima district, calling for immediate action from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and concerned authorities.
In a statement issued on Friday, SAPO stated that despite public assurances given by NHIDCL officials in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang and village authorities on May 3, 2025, restoration work at the landslide-affected stretch remains incomplete 67 days past the assured 10-day deadline.
“This highway, one of the oldest and shortest inter-state routes in the region since the British era, is crucial not only for Nagaland’s Southern Angami area and neighbouring districts but also for Manipur’s connectivity, trade, commerce, and access to educational hubs,” SAPO said.
The organisation pointed out that multiple public leaders—including Advisor Er Kropol Vitsu, MLA Kevipodi Sophie, and Angami Public Organization (APO) leaders—have visited the site to press for early restoration. SAPO also acknowledged the commitment of Phesama citizens, Phesama Village Council (PVC), Phesama Youth Organization (PYO), and Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) in assisting commuters and coordinating efforts on humanitarian grounds.
SAPO, however, noted with regret that NHIDCL has cited unstable weather as the reason for the delay. “While we understand weather-related challenges, such delays reflect a serious breach of trust. Appropriate engineering measures like slope stabilization, drainage control, and geotechnical monitoring can and must be implemented, even during the monsoon,” it stated.
The statement further urged NHIDCL to deploy additional manpower and machinery without delay. SAPO also appealed to the Manipur government to actively engage on the matter, expressing disappointment over what it termed as indifference towards the hardship faced by its own citizens.
“This route falls under the direct purview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. We appreciate MP S Supongmeren Jamir’s concern and visit on June 7, but we also believe the Manipur government should escalate the issue at the central level, rather than leaving it solely to Nagaland’s civil society,” SAPO stated.
SAPO stated that while it is understood that the Manipur Government is exploring alternative routes, deviating from this primary route, particularly by imposing restrictions on heavy vehicles in the southern segment, may serve to mitigate road deterioration and facilitate more effective maintenance.
“If the people of Manipur believe that this route may not be economically viable, poses security concerns, or does not align with their developmental priorities, they are respectfully encouraged to articulate their concerns and advocate for appropriate remedial measures through constructive dialogue and formal channels,” SAPO stated.
SAPO further urged the Central Government, the State government, and NHIDCL to recognize the complexity of this crisis and take immediate, effective action. “We urge NHIDCL to allocate optimal resources for the swift restoration of the highway, prioritizing progress over weather-related delays. The situation demands urgent attention keeping in mind it’s important to recognize that conducting assessments and activities in mudslide-prone areas during the rainy season can be undertaken safely, provided that appropriate engineering interventions and risk mitigation measures are implemented.”
It urged the NHIDCL to immediately proceed with the necessary measures, including barricading the area and restoring the road without delay, to ensure safety and restore connectivity immediately, adding, “Failure to act may compel us to close down all alternative routes, affecting commuters from other states.”
