Seeks science-based, permanent safety measures
DIMAPUR, JULY 29 (MExN): The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland has raised serious concern over the growing risk to life and property due to recurring rockfalls, landslides, and road collapses along the Dimapur–Kohima four-lane highway (NH-29). The party has urged the Centre and relevant authorities to adopt permanent, science-based solutions to address the crisis.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the NPP said that several vulnerable stretches of NH-29—particularly the areas around Pagala (Pakala) Pahar, the KMC dumping site, and Kisama—continue to witness frequent stonefalls, sinking zones, and road damage, resulting in multiple accidents and fatalities over the years.
While construction and maintenance works are ongoing, the party said the absence of scientific slope stabilisation, robust drainage systems and preventive engineering mechanisms continues to pose a grave threat to commuters, especially during the monsoon season.
The party cited the rockfall at Pagala Pahar on May 30 this year as the most recent example of the road’s dangers. The NPP pointed out that makeshift measures like temporary traffic diversions and limited rockfall barriers have proven insufficient during heavy rainfall. It further urged the government to publish authenticated, year-wise data on casualties and injuries along the Dimapur–Kohima corridor to ensure clarity, accountability, and better policy response.
In this regard, the NPP Nagaland State Unit submitted a detailed memorandum on July 29 to the Regional Office of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Guwahati and to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. The memorandum underscored the urgent need for permanent slope stabilisation measures, establishment of district-level monitoring and reporting mechanisms, promotion of community-level safety education, enhancement of roadside signage, and inclusion of local geotechnical experts in project planning and implementation.
The party has also urged NHIDCL and MoRTH to immediately prioritise the installation of advanced rockfall barriers and nets, development of early warning systems, and deployment of real-time public alert mechanisms. It called for comprehensive safety audits and regular maintenance of all vulnerable stretches of NH-29, with focused attention on the high-risk zones of Pagala Pahar, Pherima, and Chümoukedima.
Additionally, it recommended the installation of clearly visible cautionary signage, enforcement of speed regulations, development of properly marked escape bays and lay-bys, and the establishment of rapid emergency response systems along the entire route.
The NPP further demanded public disclosure of a time-bound action plan and the creation of a live, publicly accessible dashboard where citizens can track the progress of mitigation works, traffic closures, diversions, and safety interventions in real time. It also called upon the Monitoring Mechanism established by the Government of Nagaland to closely supervise the progress of ongoing and future works and to ensure that implementing agencies carry out timely rectifications without delay or complacency.
Stating that the safety of commuters must not be compromised due to construction lapses or engineering deficiencies, the NPP reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and pledged to continue pursuing the matter with both State and Central authorities until durable and sustainable safety measures are fully implemented.
