CM Neiphiu Rio inspects landslide-affected NH-29 near Old KMC dumping site

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, inspected the landslide-affected area near the old Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) dumping site along National Highway-29 on Monday.

Officials from the PWD, district administration, police, Jotsoma village leaders, and others were also present during the visit.

The inspection follows recent landslides at the old dumping site,

which disrupted traffic between Kohima and Dimapur.

During the visit, Rio pointed out lapses in the earlier construction of the Concrete Canvas (CC) or Reinforced Concrete (RCC) walls at the site. He observed that not a single rod was used with concrete, which proved insufficient against erosion, and questioned the technology used in the construction.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify all vulnerable road sections affected during the monsoon and to address them for long-term sustainability after the monsoon season ends. He emphasised the need to stabilise the road for the safety of commuters and vehicle movement.

Sharing the update on social media platform X, Rio wrote: “Visited the landslide-affected area near the old KMC dumping site on NH-29, along with Deputy CM Shri @TRZeliang, and assessed the current situation. The government is taking all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to citizens and restore normalcy at the earliest.”

An elder from Jotsoma village, during the inspection, expressed concerns that unless protection measures are taken, there is a fear that the village itself might also be affected. He appealed to the government to implement protection measures below the highway to prevent further erosion.

Also read: Mudslides block Phesama-Kisama by-pass, damage vehicles and property

Permanent traffic post at KMC dumping site in Kohima

According to him, the state government had proposed slope protection work and road repair covering a 12-kilometre stretch for which a sanction of INR 24 crore was received, albeit belatedly. The tender was floated on June 23 and is scheduled to be opened on July 30. Zeliang said work would commence once the tender process is completed.

He added that slope protection works would be carried out using new technology involving geotextile and geosynthetic materials, as implemented at Pakala Pahar (Tsiedukhru Range) by M/s Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. The same method would be applied at the old KMC dumping site, he informed.

“This is a new technology for the state. So, we will try to experiment and protect this portion,” Zeliang remarked, adding that further discussions with the contractor would follow after the tender is finalised.

When asked about the Phesama road, where NHIDCL had earlier assured completion within 10 working days following his June 3 visit, he acknowledged that while some progress was made, fresh mudslides and unresolved compensation issues with landowners had delayed the work.

An inspection of the site is scheduled for July 22 to assess the situation. Zeliang informed that the Chief Minister would also visit the site and the Executive Director of NHIDCL would also be invited.

Regarding the Southern Angami people’s demand for an alternative route from the Phesama landslide-affected area, Zeliang said that the government would need to assess whether landowners are willing to provide the required land. He added that an alternative route is likely the only feasible solution to avoid the landslide-prone zone, noting that the entire mountain in the area has been prone to shifting.

A proposal would be sent if landowners agree to provide the land, he said.