NHIDCL resumes restoration of the landslide-hit Phesama NH-02 stretch, targeting completion by November amid compensation and long-term repair plans
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KOHIMA — Restoration work on the landslide- and sinking-hit stretch of National Highway-02 at Phesama has resumed, with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) setting the first week of November as the target for completion.
The affected stretch, between chainage km 191+840 and km 192+100 along the Kohima-Mao Road, has remained severely disrupted for months following heavy rainfall in July. The damage has affected commuters, students and residents in the area, besides disrupting movement between Nagaland and Manipur.
Work on clearing debris had initially been taken up but was subsequently halted due to continued rainfall and safety concerns for workers. Restoration resumed on September 28.
A joint inspection of the affected stretch was conducted on Monday by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima B Henok Buchem, MLA and Kohima DPDB chairman Kevipodi Sophie, Kohima Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso, officials of the district administration, representatives of Southern Angami Public Organisation and Phesama village, and other stakeholders.
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The team urged NHIDCL to expedite the restoration and subsequently implement a permanent solution to the recurring problem.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Buchem said work had resumed after the monsoon had made it unsafe to carry out restoration activities.
He said the land acquisition estimate had already been prepared, although compensation to affected landowners was yet to be paid. However, he said villagers had agreed to allow the work to resume based on NHIDCL's assurance that compensation would be deposited.
The DC said affected families, including those whose paddy fields had been impacted, would be taken care of under State Disaster Response Fund relief.
He said NHIDCL had assured the district administration that the restoration would be completed by the first week of November.
Buchem also noted that the Southern Angami area faces recurring disasters, with landslides during the monsoon and fires during winter. He thanked residents for their cooperation, particularly those in Kezocha, who have had to bear increased vehicular movement as an alternate route to Manipur despite the road's limitations.
Kevipodi said the disruption was particularly concerning because the area hosts several schools and colleges, with students among those badly affected.
Expressing disappointment over the pace of restoration, the MLA said the authorities had given repeated assurances but work had remained slow.
“I am really sad that the work is too slow,” he said, expressing concern over whether the road would be restored within the promised timeframe.
He added that there was no major dispute over land compensation, stating that the necessary measurements and requirements had already been completed. The matter, he said, now rested on NHIDCL and the landowners over payment.
Kevipodi said he and MLA Kropol Vitsu had met NHIDCL representatives, led by its executive director, about a month ago and were assured that restoration would begin the following day. The work could not proceed because of continued rainfall.
He said NHIDCL had now assured them that the stretch would be restored within a month and expressed hope that the commitment would be honoured.
PS Pandey, Deputy General Manager (Project), NHIDCL, said traffic had continued through the stretch earlier but the condition deteriorated further following heavy rainfall.
He informed that restoration work had been taken up on September 25 and was expected to be completed in the first week of November.
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Five to six pieces of equipment have been deployed at the site, Pandey said, adding that more machinery would be brought in as required to meet the deadline.
NHIDCL is also working on long-term measures for the affected section of the Kohima-Mao Road. Pandey said preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) was underway and would be submitted after completion.
He said the sinking of the road occurred while the DPR was being prepared, prompting the corporation to undertake technical investigations, including geotechnical studies and topographical surveys, among other assessments.
The affected portion will be taken up under the long-term plan after approval of the DPR, he added.
On compensation, Pandey said NHIDCL would deposit the amount with the competent authority within 15 days of receiving the assessment estimate from the district administration.
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