Three rockfalls hit NH-29 in Chümoukedima, while a Bolero narrowly escaped falling boulders and officials assessed safety measures.
DIMAPUR — A Mahindra Bolero carrying three people narrowly escaped a major mishap after huge boulders came crashing onto the NH-29 Dimapur-Kohima four-lane highway at Tsiedukhru Range in Chümoukedima on Thursday morning.
Rock and mudslides were reported at three locations along the stretch, although none caused a road blockage and vehicular movement continued normally.
Following the incident, NHIDCL officials and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) I Meren Chenth inspected the site to assess the situation and precautionary measures to prevent further rockfalls. One of the affected stretches had been cleared, while heavy machinery was being deployed to remove rocks and debris from the other locations.
NHIDCL Authority Engineer S George attributed the rockfalls to the geological condition of the mountain, saying the rock formation in the area was relatively young and comprised multiple layers, including weak shale between sandstone formations.
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“Water is coming out from between the rocks and shale layers and especially after rainfall, once it gets dry, the joints crack,” he explained.
Asked about the possibility of further rockfalls amid the prevailing weather conditions, George said there was a risk at certain vulnerable locations and urged motorists to exercise caution.
He said that the NHIDCL was taking precautionary measures and was planning to create a structure or barrier at the affected location to divert or contain falling rocks.
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A large chunk of rock was also observed near the site in an apparently unstable position. It was reportedly being held by an iron rod installed by NHIDCL. In view of the potential danger, officials were planning to remove the rock before it could fall on its own.
On a permanent solution to the recurring rockfall problem, George said that a detailed project report (DPR) covering the entire stretch was in its final stage.
The DPR had been submitted once earlier, but third-party agencies scrutinising the document had sought clarifications. The revised submission would subsequently be forwarded for approval, followed by the tendering process, he said.
According to George, the DPR is currently with NHIDCL headquarters and the matter has also been discussed with the government of Nagaland.
He added that the entire stretch, including locations where mountain cutting is being undertaken for bridge construction, has been covered under the DPR.
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