NHIDCL plans a fresh DPR and slope stabilisation measures to address recurring landslides along the NH-2 stretch near Kisama
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KOHIMA — The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is preparing a fresh detailed project report (DPR) proposing new engineering structures and slope stabilisation measures to address recurring landslides along National Highway-2 below Kisama Heritage Village.
NHIDCL Nagaland Executive Director RB Singh told journalists on Thursday that a DPR consultant has been engaged for the Kohima–Mao stretch, where several engineering interventions have been proposed.
He said that the project will include slope stabilisation and scientific studies, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), to assess hill movement as the slope remains geologically active.
"The consultant is preparing the DPR. Once it is approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the work will be taken up," Singh said, adding that the proposal is still under preparation and will take time before implementation.
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Referring to the recent rockfall, Singh said that NHIDCL has already instructed the contractor to undertake rectification works. Debris is being removed daily, while additional machinery will be deployed to speed up restoration.
The Kisama stretch has remained vulnerable to landslides since last year. According to Singh, NHIDCL had spent around INR 6 crore on restoration works following the previous landslide. He added that the contractor remains responsible for rectification during the three-year defect liability period.
Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) legal adviser Kevipopi Ltu infirmed that the organisation had written to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, with copies to NHIDCL and the Phesama Village Council, seeking immediate intervention to address the recurring landslides.
According to Ltu, the authorities assured SAPO that every effort would be made to keep the highway open and ensure commuter safety by deploying additional machinery and undertaking both immediate restoration works and long-term mitigation measures.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima B Henok Buchem, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso, officials from the district administration, Public Works Department (R&B), NHIDCL, SAPO, Phesama Village Council and other stakeholders, inspected the sinking zone between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 along the Kohima–Mao section of NH-2 on Thursday.
During the inspection, officials reviewed the condition of the affected stretch and discussed immediate measures to ensure commuter safety while keeping traffic moving.
It was decided to station machinery permanently at the site for continuous debris clearance. Two lighting units and traffic warning placards will also be installed on either side of the sinking zone to monitor possible rockfalls and improve safety for commuters.
Buchem said that routine debris clearance would continue, while a special day-long clearance operation would be carried out on Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm. During this period, commuters, particularly those travelling at night, have been advised to use the alternative route via Kisama.
Traffic police personnel will also be deployed to regulate vehicular movement, while officials stationed at the site have been directed to remain in constant communication with the district administration and police and take timely decisions, including temporary road closures whenever required in the interest of public safety.