Nagaland reviews monsoon preparedness, considers restricting heavy vehicles on vulnerable highway stretches to minimise landslides and traffic disruptions.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland government is considering regulating the movement of heavy vehicles on vulnerable stretches of NH-29 and NH-02 during the monsoon season as part of measures to address landslides, road disruptions and safety concerns.
The issue was discussed during a monsoon preparedness meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima on Friday to review the state’s readiness for the approaching monsoon season.
According to a DIPR update, the meeting examined the vulnerability of national highways, particularly NH-29 connecting Dimapur and Kohima and NH-02 connecting Kohima and Mao.
Participants deliberated on measures to address landslides and road disruptions during the monsoon and also considered regulating the movement of heavy vehicles, especially those with more than 10-wheel configurations, to ensure road safety and smooth traffic flow.
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The meeting reviewed the monsoon forecast based on meteorological inputs presented by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, including likely rainfall patterns and potential risk areas across the state.
The Public Works department (Roads and Bridges) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) briefed the meeting on the preparedness of road infrastructure, ongoing maintenance works, identification of vulnerable stretches and measures being taken to mitigate disruptions caused by landslides and other weather-related incidents.
The Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force outlined their emergency response plans, deployment of resources and operational mechanisms aimed at ensuring prompt action during emergencies.
The Health and Family Welfare department informed the meeting about healthcare preparedness, including the readiness of medical personnel, availability of essential medicines and contingency arrangements for emergency situations.
The Food and Civil Supplies department, along with agriculture and allied departments, apprised the meeting of the availability, stocking and distribution plans for essential commodities to ensure uninterrupted supplies during the monsoon season.
In his concluding remarks, Rio stressed the importance of a coordinated and proactive approach among all departments in addressing monsoon-related challenges. He emphasised the need for timely intervention, seamless communication and collective responsibility to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure.
The chief minister also directed all concerned departments to ensure that machinery, equipment and response systems are strategically positioned and maintained in full operational readiness to respond to any eventuality during the monsoon season.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for New and Renewable Energy and NSDMA Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, along with officials from the concerned departments.