Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio with Deputy Chief Ministers, TR Zeliang and Y Patton and officials assessing the damage at the landslide site on NH-2 near Phesama on July 22. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 22
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has expressed concern over the recurring issues of landslides and road blockages along National Highway-2 (formerly NH-39), stating that such problems have persisted for decades.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, UDA Chairman T R Zeliang, Advisor Er Kropol Vitsu, MLA Kevipodi Sophie, senior officers, and district administration officials, Rio inspected the Phesama-Kisama bypass road near Rhododendron Resort on July 22. A day earlier, on July 21, the Chief Minister also visited the landslide-affected area near the old KMC dumping site on NH-29.
Speaking to media personnel after the inspection, Rio remarked, “This is not only this year’s issue; it has been a lifelong one. Since our childhood, we have witnessed mudslides, landslips, and highway blockages.”
Asserting that the problem is likely to persist, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a long-term solution through the construction of a bypass or alternative route built to national highway specifications. He noted that if heavily loaded trucks continue to use village roads, it will cause inevitable damage, warning that “one day, the whole road will be finished.”
Referring to the Southern Angami Public Organisation’s (SAPO) proposal for an alternative route via Chakhabama–Kidima–Senapati, Rio extended his support and said that the road must be developed to national highway standards.
“We are concerned; that’s why we have come personally to see it,” Rio stated.
Later, taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote, “National Highways are the lifelines of a nation, essential for connectivity and economic activity,” adding that the state government, along with its implementing agencies, is working to ensure early restoration of the affected areas.
While appreciating ongoing restoration efforts, Rio acknowledged the challenges posed by Nagaland’s hilly and landslide-prone terrain and called for innovative approaches.
During an interaction with officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Rio urged the use of reinforced construction techniques such as concrete, iron rods, and if feasible, piling, to strengthen vulnerable stretches.
“Don’t do temporary work. Construct a proper CC bridge and, if required, go for a flyover so that debris can pass below without obstructing the road,” he stated.
NHIDCL Executive Director R P Singh informed the Chief Minister that the soil in the affected area had turned to slush due to continuous rainfall, making it difficult for restoration equipment to access the site. He said a 37-metre stretch of the road had sunk and, subject to favourable weather conditions, temporary restoration could be completed by August 18.
Acknowledging the challenges of carrying out major repairs during the monsoon, Rio instructed agencies to create a temporary passage and begin concrete work once the rains subside. “The real landslip is expected during August–September, so a long-term strategy must be in place,” he added.
