Longleng DDMA inspects landslide on the Changtongya-Longleng Road as heavy vehicle movement remains suspended.
DIMAPUR — Members of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Longleng, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) W Manpai Phom, conducted a spot verification of the landslide-affected stretch of the Changtongya-Longleng road (NH-702) on Tuesday.
The inspection team was also accompanied by the Mokokchung district administration, represented by the sub-divisional officer (Civil) of Changtongya, according to a DIPR report.
It was mentioned that the road stretch from chainage 5+785 to 6+050 was severely affected following persistent rainfall during the night of September 11, resulting in a complete disruption of vehicular movement along the corridor. The Changtongya-Longleng road serves as a lifeline for Longleng district, connecting the district headquarters with the rest of the state and facilitating the movement of people and essential commodities.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), along with the executing agency Nithin Sai Construction, has been carrying out continuous debris clearance and restoration works since September 12. However, the ongoing monsoon, along with recurring mudslides and landslides at the site, has made clearance work difficult and slowed down the restoration process.
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Certain local issues at the site have been resolved through the active coordination and support of the Mokokchung district administration.
In view of the situation, the DDMA has issued a travel advisory for light vehicles to use the alternate route via the Tangha-Kangching-Merangkong road until normal vehicular movement is restored along the affected stretch of NH-702. The alternate route is also being maintained by the DDMA to facilitate light vehicular traffic.
The fresh disruption comes at a time when the district is still recovering from extensive damages caused by incessant rainfall, landslides, and related incidents since July 19. With restoration and recovery efforts from earlier disruptions still underway in several areas, the latest landslide has placed an additional strain on district connectivity and ongoing disaster response efforts.
Another major concern for the district is the complete stoppage of heavy vehicle movement since the occurrence of the landslide on September 12. The prolonged restriction on heavy vehicles is likely to have a direct impact on the transportation and supply of essential commodities to the district, particularly fuel and other supplies transported through oil tankers.
Continued disruption may consequently place additional pressure on the availability of essential commodities if normal connectivity is not restored at the earliest.
The public has been advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel along the affected stretch, and follow advisories issued by the district administration and DDMA until normal vehicular movement is restored.