KOHIMA, JULY 9 : In what could be considered a positive response to the sluggishness of the Border Roads’ Organization in taking care of the National Highway-29, the district administration of Kohima on Saturday took the initiative to widen the road at the landslide area, near the Dzüdza bridge under Kohima district.
Two excavators, the expense of which was borne by the district administration, were pressed into service starting 8 am, July 9. Although it was informed in the local dailies that vehicular movement would be curtailed during the hours 8-10 am, traffic was affected till 6:20 pm.
The day’s work also saw efforts by volunteers from the Jotsoma Village Youth Organization, staffers of the district administration from both Kohima and the Sechü circle, besides police and traffic personnel.
Following the road blockade, commuters were stranded for hours since the excavators were pressed into service. Vehicles were made to pass through, on rotation, till late evening. According to sources from the district administration, the work at the area was being carried out since there was a risk of the road being totally cut off if incessant rain continued for the next few weeks.
Fortunately, the state’s capital town was blessed with good weather on July 8. Even today, the weather was favorable till noon. Heavy downpour in the afternoon affected the pace of work. However, the two excavators and volunteers immediately commenced work once the rains stopped.
Having been stranded for hours, the disappointment of many commuters was visible. Nonetheless, they somehow managed to skirt through. With the news of the blockade, many vehicles also took the route via Jotsoma-Khonoma-Mezoma-Sechüma through to Sechü Zubza.
Sources from the district administration informed that the road was cleared after 6 pm. It was also informed that they may resume the work anytime in case the condition of the road got worse.
