Landslide-prone zones, drainage and culvert issues along Changtongya–Longleng stretch
DIMAPUR, JULY 25 (MExN): A joint inspection of National Highway 702 (NH-702) between Changtongya and Longleng conducted on July 24, revealed serious safety and infrastructural concerns, including landslide-prone areas, drainage blockages, poorly constructed culverts, and sinking road sections.
The inspection was carried out by administrative officers Nukshimatong, NCS, SDO (Civil), Changtongya, along with his team of Dobashis, and Meyazungba Jamir, NCS, SDO (Civil), Longleng. Representatives from the Langpangkong Tzukong Mungdang, Langpangkong Range Road Coordination Committee, Phom Peoples’ Council, Phomla Hoichem, Phom Students’ Conference, as well as officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and the Nagaland State Construction Corporation (NSC) were also part of the team.
The inspection began with the Changtongya to Dikhu section, covering chainage 0+400 to 6+507. Multiple landslide-prone areas were identified along this stretch, particularly at chainages 0+400–0+720, 1+600, and 3+876–4+000. These sites were found to have blocked drainage systems and were marked unsafe. The site at chainage 1+600 was described as especially dangerous due to the high risk of falling rocks.
Several culverts were also found to be blocked or poorly constructed using Hume pipes. These were located at chainages 0+700, 1+004, 2+548, 3+876–4+000, and 6+507. Problems with retaining walls and drainage structures were observed, particularly at chainages 1+900–1+020 and 3+876–4+000, with immediate attention recommended for the former. At chainage 4+900, a section of road was found to be sinking, caused by inadequate drainage and ongoing landslide activity.
In the section from Dikhu to Alayung Village, covering chainage 8+403 to 17+400, the inspection team found further signs of poor drainage and instability. Persistent drainage blockages due to landslides were recorded at chainages 8+403, 8+600, 8+800, 9+675, 12+698, and 17+400. Overflowing water was observed on the road surface at chainage 8+403. Blocked culverts were identified again at chainages 9+675, 12+698, and 17+400.
Following the inspection, officials from NHIDCL and NSC assured the public that all blockages and immediate concerns would be addressed within two weeks. They stated that regular joint inspections would be conducted to monitor the quality and pace of the work. They also informed that any damaged road surfacing (DBM) would be restored and blacktopped after the monsoon season.
The inspection team stressed the importance of timely and consistent efforts to address the hazardous conditions along NH-702. They stated that the highway remains a critical lifeline for the people of Longleng and Changtongya, and urgent measures must be taken to ensure its long-term safety and usability.
The inspection was conducted in coordination with local organisations and supported by the Media Cell of the Phom Students’ Conference.
