District Disaster Management Authorities in Mokokchung and Longleng assess rain-induced damages and urge road restoration.
DIMAPUR — The District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA) of Longleng and Mokokchung reviewed the extensive damage caused by incessant rainfall during separate meetings on August 4, with the Longleng district administration recommending that the state government declare the district an L3 Disaster Affected Area.
Roads cut, villages remain isolated in Longleng
According to a DIPR report, DDMA Longleng, along with the line departments and civil society organisations (CSOs), held a joint meeting with the executive director and officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and executing companies at the DPDB Hall, Longleng.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Chairman of Longleng DDMA, W Manpai Phom, stated that the district is facing a massive disaster after natural calamities cut off road connectivity, affecting villages, farmlands, forests, and houses across the district.
Addressing leaders of CSOs and NGOs, the DC noted that this is not the usual annual monsoon disruption of highways due to landslides and sinking.
"Based on ground assessments, the damage goes far beyond roadways. It is a massive disaster affecting forests, farmlands, fields and houses," he added.
He stated that the actual assessment of every village is yet to be completed due to a lack of road communication. Several villages remain cut off, particularly in the extra assistant commissioner (EAC) circle of Yongyah, where three to four villages are completely inaccessible, and in areas under Namsang due to damage along the Marangkong-Tamlu stretch.
The DC lauded the collective efforts of the DDMA, the Phom People’s Council led by its president, the Phom Students’ Conference, student bodies, various departments, and NGOs for their contribution in responding to the crisis. Stating that the situation is beyond the scope of regular maintenance, the administration has recommended to the state government that Longleng district be declared and notified as an L3 Disaster Affected Area.
The DC also presented a detailed ground assessment report collected from the damaged areas through a PowerPoint presentation.
On behalf of the Phom community, President of the Phom People's Council, YB Angam Phom, submitted an urgent representation regarding sub-standard construction, unengineered execution, ecological devastation, and severe public hardship along the Longleng-Changtongya and Merangkong-Tamlu National Highway stretches (NH-702).
The representation outlined several demands, including immediate site inspection; immediate relief and compensation for Alayung village (Package 1); structural protection of the Dikhu Bridge abutment wall; emergency reconstruction from Yongmon to Longleng; realignment and construction of the Longleng Town Bypass under the proposed SARDP Phase A project; quality control and accountability; emergency drainage and retaining works; environmental remediation; and round-the-clock machinery and maintenance.
Executive Director of NHIDCL, RP Singh, stated that the agency is making all possible efforts to restore and maintain road connectivity in the Longleng district to ensure safe travel for residents and traffic to other states, including Assam and neighbouring states.
He noted that amid the ongoing disruption caused by massive damages from natural calamities, permanent restoration work cannot be taken up in August due to the scale of the damage and prevailing weather conditions.
"As per the assessment, things should soon start getting back to normal with temporary measures. But from September the company will begin with permanent work procedures and upgrade the road to a better condition," he said.
He also informed that NHIDCL teams are currently prioritising the clearing of slides, Bailey bridge installations where required, and keeping at least one lane open for emergency and essential movement.
In conclusion, the DC, stressing the need for urgent and quality restoration, called for strict monitoring of highway maintenance work in the Longleng district, stating that road connectivity is the lifeline not only for Longleng but also for adjoining districts.
It was noted that restoration and maintenance works must be taken up with utmost seriousness to serve the purpose of the general public. Concerns were raised over contractual work being repeatedly handed over from one firm to another, which has affected accountability on the ground.
While some stretches have been temporarily covered, major damages remain in several areas. The DC stated that the Package-2 firm must carry out regular maintenance with proper scrutiny and adequate provisions to ensure that work quality is not compromised.
He also demanded a thorough inspection of both Package-1 and Package-2 stretches. Under Package-1, almost the entire stretch has been affected and will require additional funding and dedicated restoration work for final repair.
The DC assured that any further assistance required from the district administration and civil society will be extended to expedite early restoration.
Relief, restoration efforts continue in Mokokchung
Meanwhile, DC and Chairman of Mokokchung DDMA Ajit Kumar Verma, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Atsungba Walling and Nodal Officer of Mokokchung and Tuensang, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Temsuwangshi, held a press briefing at the DC’s office.
The briefing was held to provide an update on the situation arising from multiple natural disasters that have affected different parts of Mokokchung district following incessant rainfall.
DDMA officials informed that assessment and monitoring of the affected areas were carried out across villages and subdivisions till August 2, with officials visiting the affected locations to assess the situation and extend necessary assistance.
The officials stated that all possible assistance is being provided for the restoration of basic infrastructure and the provision of emergency relief to affected families and villages. Restoration and rehabilitation works are being undertaken in coordination with various line departments.
Officials further informed that while several restoration activities have already been taken up, some works are still in progress. The DDMA, in coordination with the concerned line departments, continues to monitor the situation and facilitate relief and restoration measures in the affected areas.