Need for Monsoon Preparedness
Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has issued new directives to repair and ensure the safety of the crucial Dimapur-Kohim four-lane road that was damaged by landslides last monsoon
- Hearing a suo motu PIL filed last month in connection with
the National Highway-29, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has issued new
directives to repair and ensure the safety of the crucial Dimapur-Kohima
four-lane road that was damaged by landslides last monsoon. After reviewing the
work undertaken by various stakeholders, including the National Highways and
Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), contractors, and state
agencies, the court has also sought the work progress details of various
projects. This is a welcome move, as frequent landslides, mudslides and
rockfalls have made this stretch of road perilous for commuters especially
during the raining season. Last year, a devastating mudslide at Pherima claimed
six lives, while landslides triggered by incessant rain cut off this lifeline
of the people for weeks together. The portion of road along the Pagla Pahar
stretch that was washed away by a massive landslide last monsoon is still not
restored. This is despite pressure from the government of Nagaland to complete
it before the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival. The stretch of road is also
infamous for rockfalls. The state government has pulled up the stakeholders
following the 2023 tragic incident that killed two people but no concrete
safety measures have been taken up till date. This is evident from boulders
consistently pilling up on one side of the road, rendering it unsafe for
traffic. In short, the current condition of the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane road
paints a poor picture of the implementing agency – NHIDCL; it also shows lack
of political will to address the plight of the people.
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- To avert tragic incidents, the NHIDCL should complete road
maintenance work and take up safety measures, especially at accident-prone
areas, before the rainy season begins. It also should complete the much-delayed
and neglected National Highway-2 from Kohima to Mao Gate which has triggered
protests in the past. These roads -- NH-29 and NH-2 -- serve as a lifeline not
only for the people of Nagaland but also the neighbouring state of Manipur. Any
disruption to traffic on this route immensely affects the business activities
in the two states, besides causing inconvenience to travellers. So, the
centre-owned construction company should prioritise these vital projects and
complete on time. Meanwhile, the state government should ensure that the
ongoing road projects across the state are completed before the monsoon to
avoid another rain-triggered mayhem. All stakeholders should take
accountability for the safety of the people.
