Minister P Bashang Chang along with the DC Tuensang, Nodal Officer DDMA and others with the residents at the Old Church Building in Tuensang village. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Tuensang | August 12
In an act of solidarity with the landslide-affected residents of Tuensang town, P Bashang Chang, Minister of Public Works Department, Housing & Mechanical Engineering, Government of Nagaland, visited the devastated sectors on Aug 11.
During his visit, the Minister met with evacuees housed in two relief camps in Tuensang village and held a crucial meeting with sector union leaders from NST Ward and Phinjang sector.
The Minister was accompanied by a delegation including District Administration officers led by Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa and SDO (C), Nodal Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Also present were representatives from the Chang Gazetted Officers’ Association (CGOA), Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Chang Wedoshi Setshang (CWS), GBs, DBs, All Ward Union Tuensang Town, and BJP members from 53 AC Tuensang Sadar-I, including Mandals, Mahilas and Yuvamorcha.
At the Phinjang sector community hall, Minister Bashang expressed deep empathy for the residents, acknowledging the long-standing issue of landslides in the area, which he recalled witnessing since his childhood. “Natural calamities strike without warning,” he said, “but we must thank God that we haven’t lost lives. We have taken precautionary measures to minimize damage.”
Minister Chang urged the CKS and leaders from affected colonies and sectors to collectively asses and analyse the severity of the landslide and sinking take up the issue with the Chief Minister of Nagaland in Kohima, ensuring that the severity of the situation is recognized at the highest levels of government. He also requested official reports from the District Administration and DDMA on the landslide damages and the status of relief efforts.
According to the latest reports, 251 households in Tuensang have been affected by landslides, with 150 people currently sheltered in two relief camps—78 at the Old Church and 72 at the C/Khel ground. Eleven houses have been completely destroyed and dismantled, with immediate relief provided to the displaced families. Among the evacuees are 57 students, including 30 boys and 27 girls, whose education is being prioritized even amidst the ongoing crisis.
‘You are not alone’
Minister Bashang, undeterred by the torrential rain, personally visited all affected sites and provided financial aid to the victims. At the relief camp, he reassured the evacuees, saying, “You are not alone in this tragedy; we are all in it together.” He also called on the broader Tuensang community to offer support in any way possible.
During a meeting with NST Ward leaders, where seven households were completely washed away by the landslide, the minister was briefed on the recurring nature of the disaster. The sector has faced three major landslides in recent years—2012-13, 2016-17, and now in 2024. Sector union members pointed to a large drainage system and a nearby stone quarry as major contributors to the landslides.
They urged the Minister and the District Administration to consult with landowners to stop the quarrying activities and requested government assistance in constructing retaining walls, proper drainage systems, and correctional walls to prevent future disasters.
Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa provided further context on the landslide issue and detailed the relief efforts currently underway. The minister pledged his full support, promising to bring the matter to the attention of higher authorities to secure a suitable and long-term solution for the affected residents.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the various teams working tirelessly at the relief camps, including the District Administration, DDMA, medical teams, NDRF, fire services, and security forces. “My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety of our residents,” he said.
