Rock fall claims one life in Chümoukedima

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• DIMAPUR — Despite the ongoing installation of rock and slope barrier works along National Highway-29, another rockfall incident was reported on Friday morning at the Tsiedukhru range (Pagala Pahar) in New Chümoukedima, resulting in the death of a dumper truck driver.
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• The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Abdul Salam Laskar. According to the DCP Traffic, the incident occurred around 8 am on Friday. Salam was traveling alone from Jharnapani to Chümoukedima when a rock fell onto his dumper truck, severely damaging the cabin and killing him instantly.
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• Salam Laskar is a resident of New Showuba village and was originally from Dinanathpur village under Hailakanti district in Assam. His body was subsequently handed over to family members at the Chümoukedima Police Station.
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• Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, has expressed sadness over the tragic loss of life due to a rockfall in the Pagala Pahar area under NH-29.
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• According to him, Friday accident marked the third such fatal incident in three years on NH-29 with similar tragedies occurring in 2023 and 2024.
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• “This incident occurred in a stretch where valley-side road restoration, which was swept away by the river, is currently underway. Though installation of rockfall barriers and netting by M/s Maccaferri Pvt. Ltd. is ongoing, this specific portion remains pending due to the ongoing restoration work,” Zeliang stated on his Twitter account.
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• While conveying condolence to the deceased family members, Zeliang has assured to urgently take up the matter with NHIDCL to ensure immediate and comprehensive remedial measures. He added that the state government will continue to explore all ways available and give the necessary support to the implementing agency to ensure safety of the commuters.

Read: Rock fall on NH 29 again; movement of light vehicles restricted