Chathe river flooding damages Tsiedukhru stretch of NH-29 in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — The Tsiedukhru range (Pagla Pahar) stretch of National Highway-29, which connects Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima, has suffered another setback as sections of the road and protective gabion structures were damaged due to rising water levels in the Chathe river.

Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima Polan John, the contractor, along with the representatives of Abhishira Infrastructure Consultants Private Limited, a consulting agency engaged by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), visited the site on Tuesday for an inspection.

George, the team leader from Abhishira, told reporters that while the main structure of the road remains intact, additional protective works along the riverbank had been damaged. He said the restoration team is currently unable to access the affected zone due to the high water level but will begin rectification as soon as the river recedes.

When asked whether NHIDCL might have carried out substandard work, given that the road was restored recently, he maintained that there was no substandard work involved. The damage was caused by a sudden, cloudburst-like situation, he said, adding that the water level had dropped by about three metres since the previous day’s flash flood.

He also clarified that the current structures were temporary and that permanent protection measures are still under planning as it needs extensive studies and investigations. The final stages of the detailed study are almost complete, and we are following all required guidelines, George added.

When asked about the possibility of miscommunication between NHIDCL and the state government on matters like land compensation, George dismissed the suggestion and stated that land acquisition for future works, including hill cutting to divert the river flow, is complete and the project is under tendering.

Also read: Installation of rock and slope barriers underway along NH-29

The contractor, Vizo, who also accompanied the inspection team, reiterated that no shortcuts were taken in the construction process, maintaining that the restoration work carried out after the September 2024 flooding had adhered strictly to specifications set by NHIDCL.

All specifications, including materials, were followed as instructed and no compromises were made in the execution of the work, he said, adding that restoration work was carried out under the supervision of NHIDCL engineers.

As part of immediate containment measures, the team is working to create access for machinery to stabilise the site and push debris towards the riverbank. Sack gabions are also being brought in to contain further damage, George said, adding that if the weather remains clear and water levels drop, restoration work could begin as early as Wednesday.

In response to visible cracks along the road, he explained that engineers are monitoring the situation. If the cracks remain stable over the next few days, it would suggest that settlement has occurred, reducing the likelihood of further immediate damage. A final decision on repairing the cracks will be made based on these observations over the next four days, he said.

Read more: Dimapur set for major road overhaul under Urban Development initiatives