A section of the damaged road under Longleng district.
NHIDCL, DDMA hold emergency meet
Longleng, August 5 (MExN): The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Longleng has recommended that the district be declared an “L3 Disaster Affected Area” after unprecedented natural calamities severed road connectivity, devastated farmlands, forests, and houses, and left several villages completely inaccessible.
Chairing an emergency joint meeting with the Executive Director and officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), line departments, and civil society organisations (CSOs) at the Longleng DPDB hall, Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DDMA Longleng, W Manpai Phom NCS, stated that the damage is far beyond the usual annual monsoon disruptions.
“Based on ground assessments, the damage goes far beyond roadways. It is a massive disaster affecting forests, farmlands, fields and houses,” the DC remarked, adding that this is not the typical highway landslide and sinking phenomena witnessed every monsoon.
The administration noted that actual village-wise assessment remains incomplete due to the total loss of road communication. According to a DIPR report, 3-4 villages under the EAC circle of Yongyah are completely inaccessible, while areas under Namsang remain cut off following severe damage along the Marangkong-Tamlu stretch.
Terming the situation beyond the scope of routine maintenance, the DC urged the state government to officially notify Longleng as an L3 disaster-affected zone. He also presented a detailed ground assessment report through a PowerPoint presentation to the officials and CSO leaders present.
The meeting was convened to coordinate response efforts, with NHIDCL and executing companies assuring technical support for restoration work once access is restored. Further assessments will resume as soon as connectivity is partially re-established, the DC added.
Representation submitted
The Phom People Councils President Y B Angam Phom give an urgent representation regarding sub-standard Construction, Unengineered Executing, Ecological Devastation and Severe Public Hardship along the Longleng-Changtongya and Merangkong-Tamlu National Highway Stretches (NH-702).
The following demands are also made: Immediate Site inspection; Immediate Relief and Compensation for Alayung Village (Package 1); Structural Protection of the Dikhu Bridge Abutment wall; Emergency Reconstruction from Yongmon to Longleng; Realignment and Construction of the Longleng Town Bypass under Proposed SARDP Phase A project; Quality Control and Accountability; Emergency Drainage and Retaining Works; Environmental Remediation; and Round the Clock Machinery and Maintenance.
Repair works only from September: NHIDCL
The NHIDCL is making all possible efforts to restore and maintain road connectivity in Longleng district to ensure safe travel for residents and for traffic to other states including Assam and neighbouring states, the agency Executive Director RP Singh said.
Amid the ongoing disruption caused by massive damages from natural calamities, the NHIDCL official noted that permanent restoration work cannot be taken up in August due to the scale of the damage and prevailing weather conditions.
As per the assessment, things should soon start getting back to normal with temporary measures. But from September company will begin with permanent work procedures and upgrade the road to a better condition,” he said.
He also informed that NHIDCL teams are currently prioritizing clearing of slides, Bailey bridge installations where required, and keeping at least one lane open for emergency and essential movement.
Strict monitoring sought for highway works
In conclusion the DC, stressing the need for urgent and quality restoration, officials have called for strict monitoring of highway maintenance work in Longleng district, stating that road connectivity is the lifeline not only for Longleng but also for adjoining districts.
It was noted that restoration and maintenance works must be taken up with utmost seriousness to serve the purpose of the general public. Concerns were raised over contractual work being repeatedly handed over from one firm to another, which has affected accountability on the ground.
While some stretches have been temporarily covered, major damages remain in several areas. He stated that the Package-2 firm must carry out regular maintenance with proper scrutiny and adequate provisions to ensure that work quality is not compromised.
He also said taking the platform as an opportunity, a demand was made for a thorough inspection of both Package-1 and Package-2 stretches. Under Package-1, almost the entire stretch has been affected and will require additional funding and dedicated restoration work for final repair.
The DC assured that any further assistance required from the district administration and civil society will be extended to expedite early restoration.
