Students walk past the ‘totally collapsed’ NH- 2 stretch near the Kisama exit gate under Phesama village on June 2. (Morung File Photo)
Kohima, July 1 (MExN): Amid continued disruption of traffic on National Highway-2 (NH-2) due to a massive landslide at Phesama below Kisama, village councils under the Upper Kezochazou Range have issued an ‘open letter’ to the Nagaland Government urging expedited restoration efforts and calling attention to the worsening condition of the alternate route.
In the letter addressed to the concerned departments, the chairpersons of Kidima, Kezoma, and Kezo Basa Village Councils expressed deep concern over the prolonged inaccessibility of NH-2.
It pointed out that more than a month has elapsed since NH-2 was cut off due to the landslide, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima had issued a traffic advisory directing light vehicles to take the BSF Camp Chakhabama–Kidima–Viswema/Mao Gate route in an order dated June 1.
The landslide triggered widespread concern, given NH-2’s strategic importance as a vital link road for the Southern Angami area and the state of Manipur, it noted.
Following high-profile visits and public assurances, the NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) had reportedly committed to restoring the highway within ten days, it stated, citing a news report.
However, the restoration work “remains to be seen,” the letter noted.
Consequently, the letter pointed out that the alternative Chakhabama–Mao road is “being battered beyond recognition.”
Despite the directive for light vehicles, hundreds of heavily loaded vehicles have been using the road daily, badly damaging it and making travel difficult for local residents unless immediate measures are taken to address the issue, it added.
Therefore, the letter made an urgent appeal to the Government of Nagaland, especially the Department of Roads and Bridges and the District Administration, to immediately repair the road and issue proper directives to monitor traffic flow.
The open letter was jointly signed by Zakitol Thol, Chairman of Kidima Village Council; Kikrosa Naki, Chairman of Kezoma Village Council; and Medovi Yongo, Chairman of Kezo Basa Village Council.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the Commissioner & Secretary of Works and Housing, the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, and the Chief Engineer of Roads & Bridges for necessary action.
It may be noted that a massive road collapse first occurred at the location on June 1, which completely gave way the following day.
Subsequently, on June 25, the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench expressed concern over the lack of urgency in restoring the washed-out section of NH-2 near the Kisama exit gate under Phesama village.
The Court directed that affidavits be submitted within two weeks detailing the status of land acquisition and restoration plans. It also ordered that the expert committee's report be submitted within seven days. Additionally, the Additional Advocate General of Nagaland was granted two weeks to update the Court on the proposal for acquiring additional land.
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