Nagaland-Manipur lifeline severed as NH-2 collapses near Kisama

• KOHIMA — A massive road sinking on National Highway 2 near the Kisama exit point has completely cut off the Kohima-Mao route, leaving more than 170 heavy trucks and around 500 people stranded on both sides of the highway.
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• The collapse, triggered by incessant rainfall over the past few days, has not only impacted vehicular movement but also disrupted daily life. While no casualties have been reported, one goods carrier truck was reportedly washed down the slope and has not been recovered as of the time of filing this report. Many stranded travellers have also raised concerns over the lack of basic amenities such as washrooms and toilets.
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• According to sources, the road began showing signs of sinking on May 31 (Saturday), with the major collapse occurring either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The landslide has also disrupted telecom services in the area. Repair work to temporarily restore network connectivity is underway, but officials said full restoration will take several more days.

Also read: Landslides sever road links in Kiphire

• When Eastern Mirror visited the site, students from St. Joseph College, Jakhama, who are currently appearing for examinations, were seen being dropped off at Phesama local ground. From there, they use a footpath paved by the Merama Khel of Phesama and are then picked up by buses on the other side.

Students cross the affected area using a temporary footpath prepared by Merama Khel. (EM Images)

 

• Visiting the site, local MLA Kevipodi Sophie described the situation as “very unfortunate” and noted that the area is prone to landslides. He stressed the importance of restoring the highway, which serves as a crucial link between Nagaland and Manipur, and said he would take up the matter with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL). He also noted that a bypass road project could have eased the disruption but remains delayed.
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• President of the Phesama Youth Organisation, Viyie Kuotsu told media persons that the “lifeline” of southern Angami region and the state of Manipur has been totally cut off. He said that organisation, along with the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), has held healthy discussions with the district administration to help stranded travellers.
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• He informed that several passengers have been transported safely from the site, and alternative arrangements are being made to assist others. The Phesama Village Council, along with the youth, has also been trying their best to assist the stranded, and various organisations are also providing refreshments for them.
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• Kuotsu highlighted that students from St. Joseph College and Japfü Christian College have been significantly affected. As they are in the middle of exams, the organisation has arranged for the village ground to be used as a bus parking lot. On the other side, the college authorities have arranged for transportation to ferry them to the college.
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• He added that local youths and volunteers have been mobilised to support relief efforts, while light motor vehicles are being rerouted through an alternative path with the help of community members and their machinery.
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• He also urged the government and NHIDCL to provide full technical support and expedited intervention to ensure the road is repaired efficiently and safely.
• A section of National Highway-2 near Kisama which collapsed following heavy rainfall. (EM Images)
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• NHIDCL plans realignment
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• Executive Engineer of NHIDCL, RP Singh, who inspected the site, informed Eastern Mirror that the area is a known sinking zone and said that “stabilisation of the soil has not been done properly, and so the loose soil is creating the problem.”
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• He stated that around 30 metres of road had been lost and retaining the current alignment would be difficult.
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• With the sinking zone identified, NHIDCL is now proposing to realign the highway by cutting into the hillside and shifting the road approximately 150 metres away from the affected area. However, this will require land acquisition and utility shifting, including water pipelines and a transformer. Singh said he would be meeting with the Nagaland government on Tuesday (June 3) to discuss the proposal.
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• Once government approvals are in place and land is acquired, Singh estimated that construction could take about 10 working days, depending on weather conditions. However, he noted that continuous rainfall has already slowed surveying efforts.