A protective tarpaulin is seen covering the landslide-affected area at the KVK Zunheboto facility at Nagaland University’s Lumami Campus on August 11. The facility remains threatened by a landslide following the collapse of its retaining wall and farm road on July 31. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Lumami | August 12
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Zunheboto, Nagaland University, Lumami Campus, continues to face a serious landslide threat following the collapse of its retaining wall, farm road and farm gate on July 31.
A site visit and interaction with KVK staff on August 11 revealed that the situation remains a matter of concern, particularly amid the ongoing monsoon and the possibility of further rainfall.
The landslide occurred at around 7 am on July 31, following which Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, along with the university engineering team and senior officials, visited the affected site the same morning.
Following the incident, KVK staff were shifted to the cafeteria room in the Main Administration building within the university campus to ensure that office activities could continue. The staff said that, as the KVK building was considered unsafe for occupation, they have now been allotted a new office room at the old Girls’ Gymnasium building, with the shifting process set to commence shortly.
KVK officials said the relocation involved considerable effort as the centre houses various agricultural equipment and also functions as a training facility for farmers. However, they said the temporary arrangement has not significantly disrupted the centre’s activities and has allowed them to continue their work.
Staff expressed concern over the continuing instability of the affected area. They said that although the major movement of the landslide has stopped for now, a crack has developed near the entrance of the KVK office building, raising concerns about the safety of the structure if heavy rainfall continues.
They also said that while office equipment has been shifted, several farm equipment and machinery remain at the old office building, which is located in the landslide-affected area.
“We cannot give any guarantee at this stage,” a KVK staff member said, noting that the building could remain vulnerable if rainfall intensifies.
The staff further stated that efforts have been made to cover the exposed landslide area as a temporary measure to prevent further soil movement. However, they maintained that a permanent solution would be required to secure the site and protect the office building.
Regarding coordination with the local administration, KVK staff said the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Akuluto, had been informed about the situation but had not visited the site so far. They noted that Independence Day-related programmes and other official engagements may have contributed to the delay.
