Three Manipur-bound trucks are seen stranded on the National Highway NH-2 between Kohima after a major road sinking during the intervening night of May 31 and June 1. (Morung Photo)
Clearance likely to take 3 days, says official
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 1
A major road subsidence has occurred along National Highway (NH) 2 between Kohima and Mao Gate, cutting a major lifeline to some areas in Nagaland as well as the State of Manipur.
The sinking, triggered by days of incessant rain, occurred below Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, and has cut off traffic, with heavy vehicles bound for Manipur stuck in the area.
Providing an update on the situation, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Kohima (Traffic), Tshurhosie Kajiri informed that the subsidence occurred in the sinking zone area just before reaching the Naga Heritage Village Exit road.
“Until last night, some vehicles were able to pass through. However, while attempting to cross the stretch, around three heavily loaded Manipur-bound trucks got stuck in the sinking area, further blocking the passage,” he explained.
Unloading of materials from the vehicles is in progress and, once completed, they will be pulled out, the ASP said.
The concerned departments are already on the job, but it is learned that the area is still sinking, he added.
Clearance to take around 3 days
Meanwhile, citing reports by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Kajiri estimated that clearance might take 2–3 days despite ongoing efforts to clear the site.
Until then, movement of heavy vehicles will be restricted, he added.
With regard to the heavy vehicles that have crossed Sechü Zubza, the traffic officer stated that they will be stopped at Dzüdza Bridge, where traffic personnel are manning the area.
Traffic personnel are also overseeing the alternative route, he said.
Traffic Advisory
In view of the blockage, the Kohima district administration on Sunday issued an advisory notifying an alternative route for the movement of light motor vehicles (LMVs) as well as halting traffic for heavy vehicles.
Citing the massive road sinking situation on NH-2, the advisory from Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Henok Buchem, stated that the movement of all heavy vehicles coming towards Kohima from Manipur will be stopped at Khuzama, while all Southern/Manipur-bound heavy vehicles coming from Dimapur will be halted at Sechü Zubza.
For LMVs, the advisory said Kohima-bound vehicles may take the Demori Cove or JCC–Kisama–Phesama route. However, it stressed that this route is only for one-way traffic.
Southern/Manipur-bound vehicles may take the BSF Camp–Chakhabama–Kidima–Viswema/Mao Gate route, it added.
The district administration has further cautioned the general public not to go near the affected electric poles and conductors until the concerned department undertakes the necessary measures.
Villagers assist travelers, student affected
Meanwhile, villagers, especially from Phesama Village and other Southern Angami villages, have been assisting travellers and the department in view of the subsidence.
Merama Youth Organisation (MYO), Phesama, has also issued safety guidelines for public safety and to prevent traffic congestion.
It also requested the public to adhere to directives and avoid plying heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses on the Kisama exit road.
The route serves as a vital corridor for travellers, vehicles transporting essential goods, medical emergencies, and those heading to Southern Angami villages, nearby districts, and Manipur.
With the blockade in place, educational institutions such as St Joseph's College and others, where end-semester examinations are underway, will be affected. On working days, the route typically sees over 50 buses and LMVs related to these institutions in operation.
It may be recalled that in 2018, a major landslide occurred in the same area, completely cutting off the highway and damaging several houses and fields.
Prone to sinking every year, especially during the monsoon, the road was last repaired ahead of the 25th Hornbill Festival in 2024.
SAYO to visit sites
Speaking to the media over the phone, Southern Angami Youth Organisation President, Zasitsolie Beio, expressed concern over the situation, which has stranded vehicles on both sides.
He said the SAYO team would be visiting the site early Monday morning and would make arrangements for an alternate route for emergency cases.
If necessary, Beio informed that travellers would be dropped on one side and picked up from the other after crossing the affected site on foot.
As for students, he said that St Joseph’s College at Jakhama would be conducting exams soon, and SAYO was in touch with college authorities to make necessary arrangements for them.
