PHED pipelines are seen running along the eroding cliff face above the Chathe River bend on July 16, where crucial widening work for riverbank expansion is yet to begin, nearly 11 months after the first erosion incident. (Morung Photo)
• Commissioner fails to submit affidavit despite repeated Court directions
• Amicus Curiae flags persistent inaction by State authorities
• Land acquisition completed; shifting of pipelines yet to begin
Moa Jamir
Dimapur | July 16
Proceedings before the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) on July 16 suggested that the Nagaland Government remains inactive on the pressing issue of road erosion by the Chathe River along National Highway-29, despite repeated directions from the Court.
Most recently, on June 25, the Court had reiterated its earlier directive requiring the State, specifically the Nagaland Commissioner, to file an affidavit on the status of widening the Chathe River and to submit a detailed affidavit within two weeks.
However, when the oral proceedings of the suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the Dimapur-Kohima NH-29 four-lane project resumed before the Division Bench of Justice Budi Habung and Justice Shamima Jahan on July 16, the affidavit was yet to be filed.
The repeated delay, flagged again during the hearing, suggested that the Government is still “sleeping” over the matter, as the Amicus Curiae had rhetorically remarked during the previous hearing.
The Additional Advocate General (AAG) admitted in Court that he is yet to receive any instructions from the Commissioner, even though a detailed report had again been submitted on July 4.
To this, the Amicus Curiae once again expressed concern over the ‘casual approach’ of the State Government, pointing out that requests had been made since January for the Government to ensure land acquisition so that the riverbed could be widened.
Flagging the continued inaction, there was even a suggestion for the possible personal appearance of the State Commissioner during the July 16 hearing.
However, a plea for a final opportunity and an assurance from the Nagaland Additional Advocate General (AAG) to personally ensure compliance averted such steps.
It may be noted that a portion of NH-29 was washed away by the Chathe River in September last year along the Pagla Pahar stretch (now Tsiedukhru Range) at Chainage 126.
This was followed by another incident on June 16/17, 2025, which broke the foundation wall mounted as a temporary measure before final land expansion.
Since the first incident, the matter has remained under active consideration of the Court, and the State Government has been constantly rapped for its failure to acquire land for riverbank expansion.
Payment made, work still stuck
Meanwhile, during the July 16 hearing, the Authority Engineer for NHIDCL informed the Court that compensation payments for land acquisition, as well as for shifting utility pipelines of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), had already been deposited with the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima.
However, the two pipelines were yet to be removed.
The Authority Engineer also noted that the expert committee from NHIDCL headquarters had already submitted its report, including estimated costs, and that the tendering process for the work had also been initiated.
In view of the submission, the Court directed that the Chief Secretary of Nagaland file an affidavit regarding the steps taken for the removal of pipelines.
The Nagaland Commissioner was once again directed to file a compliance affidavit within a week, outlining all progress made so far, with reference to the Court’s earlier orders dated April 2 and June 25.
Other updates
Meanwhile, regarding the issue at Chainage 164, the Court was informed that negotiations with landowners had been completed and resolved.
The NHIDCL has reportedly submitted the necessary compensation proposal documents to its headquarters for approval of payments.
Accordingly, the NHIDCL as well as the DC Kohima were directed to submit related affidavits within two weeks.
On slope protection work along the same stretch, the counsel for the contractor M/S Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. informed the Court that work on 500 square metres out of the allotted 2,000 sq. metres had been completed.
The counsel assured that the work would be completed by August 31, weather permitting, or by November 30 otherwise.
The Court accordingly directed the contractor to adhere to the submitted deadline.
Meanwhile, regarding the Bailey Steel Bridge at Chainage 155, the counsel for contractor M/s Brand Eagles submitted that work had begun and was expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The same contractor is also in charge of Package-III construction, and the counsel informed the Court that 70% of the work had been completed as of July 10.
He also submitted an undertaking that the road would be completed within the scheduled time, i.e., September 28, 2025.
The Court thus directed the contractor to ensure that the construction is completed as per the undertaking.
On the Jotsoma Bypass junction–Lerie Welcome Gate stretch, the Court once again directed the State to maintain this vital segment under the Nagaland Highway Division.
Failing to see any response, the Engineer-in-Chief, Department of Works and Housing, as well as the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), were once again directed to submit a detailed affidavit within two weeks, explaining their proposed approach to completing the work, including the damaged portion.
The Court also called for action taken reports regarding the fresh directions for maintenance of the stretch.
