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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
NHIDCL plans realignment
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.”
He stated that around 30 metres of road had been lost and
retaining the current alignment would be difficult.
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.
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.
A section of National Highway-2 near Kisama which collapsed
following heavy rainfall. (EM Images)