Kohima bars Manipur-bound heavy vehicles amid landslides and sinking roads, diverting traffic through Peren and restricting affected routes
DIMAPUR — With landslides and sinking zones rendering several vital road stretches unsafe across Kohima district, the district administration has barred all heavy vehicles bound for Manipur from entering the district until further orders, while light vehicles have been diverted through an alternative route.
An order issued by the Kohima district magistrate on Thursday stated that the restriction was necessary to prevent loss of life and property amid worsening road conditions.
The order came close on the heels of a joint inspection by officials from the district administration, Kohima Traffic Police, NPWD, NHIDCL, North East Federation of Truck Owners, Drivers and Trade Union and village representatives, which identified critical road damage from the New Capital Complex (Phizo Hill) Junction to the Kidima-Pudunamei Junction.
The inspection highlighted several active sinking zones, particularly around Chainage KM 30 of Kohima Bypass Package-3, where substantial road subsidence has rendered the stretch completely unserviceable to vehicular traffic. Restoration of the stretch is estimated to take at least 15 days.
The administration also reported severe damage at multiple locations along the NH-29 stretch from DBS to BSF Camp, Keyake, with active sinking zones making the road completely unserviceable for heavy motor vehicles.
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The Executive Engineer, PWD (NH), Kohima, in a report dated August 12, corroborated the deteriorated and unsafe conditions and recommended immediate regulation and diversion of traffic.
Adding to the concern, a massive landslide occurred on the night of August 11 at the Phesama Sinking Zone (Ch 191+840 to Ch 192+100) along the Kohima-Mao section of NH-02.
According to NHIDCL, the landslide caused severe slope instability and significant damage to the existing carriageway, rendering the affected stretch unfit for both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
In view of the hazards, the district administration has temporarily prohibited all heavy vehicles bound for Manipur from entering Kohima district.
Such vehicles have been advised to take the Peren route, subject to restrictions and regulations imposed by the Peren district authorities on heavy vehicular movement.
Meanwhile, light motor vehicles will continue to ply through the Phesama-Kisama/Kigwema diversion via Rhododendron Resort, allowing two-way traffic subject to prevailing road and weather conditions and directions from the competent authorities.
The administration has also strictly advised pedestrians against entering, crossing or passing through the affected zones due to the risk posed by active landslides, subsidence and falling debris.
The EPC contractors, NHIDCL, PWD (NH) and the Engineering Wing of Urban Development Department have been directed to immediately deploy machinery and manpower for emergency restoration at the Kohima Bypass Package-3, the NH-29 stretch from DBS to BSF Camp, Keyake, and the urban road stretch from New Capital Complex (Phizo Hill) to BSF Camp, Keyake.
The order came into effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
The administration directed transport operators, drivers, commuters, departments and the public to strictly comply with the restrictions, warning that violations would invite action under applicable laws.