CM Rio inspects landslide-hit NH-2 at Phesama, stresses need for permanent solution

PHESAMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, on Tuesday inspected the landslide-affected stretch of National Highway-2 (NH-2) at Phesama, Kohima-Mao Road, where ongoing restoration efforts have been hampered by continuous mudslides.

Advisors S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Kropol Vitsu, local MLA Kevipodi Sophie, officials from NPWD, NHIDCL, district administration, police, Phesama village leaders, and the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) were also present.

Addressing media persons at the site, Rio said the government is deeply concerned as the landslide issue at Phesama is not a recent development but a recurring problem that has continued since his childhood. “We have seen the mudslide, landslide, and obstruction of the highway. This will continue,” he said.

He informed that a proposal for an alternative route via Chakhabama-Kidima to Senapati has been sent to the Centre, emphasising that it should meet national highway standards.

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The chief minister stated that he and his team were visiting the site to personally assess the damage and challenges.

Later, on his social media platform X, he acknowledged the efforts underway but noted that Nagaland’s hilly and landslide-prone terrain demands fresh approaches. He reiterated that national highways are vital for connectivity and economic activity and assured that the state government is coordinating with all implementing agencies to ensure early restoration.

During the inspection, Rio suggested constructing Concrete Canvas (CC) check dams and using iron reinforcements to prevent further erosion below the highway. He instructed NHIDCL to ensure permanent, not temporary, solutions.

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He also proposed the construction of a CC bridge or, alternatively, a Bailey bridge over the affected portion, stating the current foundation is sinking.

A village leader from Phesama expressed concern that the landslide debris had severely impacted cultivable land, terrace fields, and forests for 5-6 km below the highway, affecting livelihoods.

In response, Rio instructed the deputy commissioner and government officials to assess the damage and assist the affected villagers while ensuring alternative routes for commuters.

Rio further highlighted that the affected road leads to the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, venue of the annual Hornbill Festival. Recalling last year’s challenges, he urged departments and agencies to prepare early to avoid last-minute restoration efforts.

Rio further instructed the NHIDCL and other concerned authorities to ensure that debris from the landslides is cleared from the roadside and, if retained temporarily, should be properly managed and dressed in keeping with the standards of a national highway. He lamented that the state government often bears the brunt of public criticism and negative perception, while officials from the National Highway Authority remain far away.

He also criticised the NHIDCL for its claims of road completion, pointing out that in reality, commuters continue to use single-lane stretches, while road dividers remain poorly maintained, overgrown with grass.

In this regard, Rio suggested that if NHIDCL cannot maintain the dividers properly, they should hand over the responsibility either to the state government or outsource it.

He proposed that if entrusted to the state, maintenance could be managed through the concerned departments and possibly leased to village authorities or even churches within the respective jurisdictions. He further suggested introducing competitions and incentives to encourage better upkeep.

Emphasising the urgency of restoring the affected highway, Rio urged NHIDCL and contractors to approach the task with urgency and work around the clock with coordinated efforts to expedite the process.