DC Kohima and officials inspect Jotsoma By-pass road condition

DIMAPUR — A joint team led by Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, on Monday inspected the Jotsoma By-pass road to assess its condition for repair and restoration.

The DC was accompanied by Additional SP (Traffic) Puzoto Khatso, Revenue Officer Kevingoto Kulnu, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Wabang, SDO Sechü-Zubza Imliakum Sanglir, and other officials, along with representatives from the Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Jotsoma Village Council (JVC), a DIPR report stated.

The inspection was carried out in light of the recent landslides at Liezocha and Kezanu, which rendered portions of NH-29 unmotorable, making the Jotsoma By-pass road a crucial alternative route.

During the discussion, Buchem expressed gratitude to JVC, JYO, NSDMA, Traffic Police, PWD (R&B) and all others for extending their cooperation, remarking that “disaster knows no day” and emphasised the urgency of the repair work.

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He announced that the restoration would be executed directly by the concerned department to ensure quality workmanship. He expressed confidence in the PWD (R&B) team to deliver a durable and well-constructed road.

The DC also informed that the repair work is being funded through the disaster management authority and stressed the importance of completing it at the earliest, noting the challenges of Kohima’s loose soil conditions and heavy daily traffic of around 400 trucks.

Buchem emphasised that all repair works, wherever done, should be carried out with the highest standards of quality.

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It was also clarified that funds sanction is for emergency road restoration work damaged during this monsoon season and that there is no provision for land compensation.

Additional SP (Traffic) Khatso assured that stronger measures and better traffic regulations would be implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow.

JVC chairman Rüdolie Nagi stated that the road belongs to everyone and urged the department to construct a proper and long-lasting road.

JYO president informed that the organisation had already cleared landslide debris and drains in some sections and expressed readiness to continue assisting in the restoration. He also appealed to the government to consider widening the by-pass road in the near future and to enforce traffic regulations, particularly against heavy vehicles plying in violation of traffic advisories issued by the government authority.

Both the JVC and JYO reiterated their request for the PWD (R&B) department to undertake the work directly instead of engaging contractors, ensuring better quality and durability, and assured support in any possible manner.