Shamator Town Public Forum urges permanent restoration of two landslide-hit NH-202 stretches near NAP camp and Shungkiu village, citing years of disruption and safety risks.
DIMAPUR — The Shamator Town Public Forum (STPF) has urged the state government and concerned national highway authorities to undertake immediate and permanent restoration of two major landslide-affected stretches of NH-202 near the NAP camp in Shamator and Shungkiu village, which have remained largely cut off for years.
In a press release, the STPF said both stretches have become completely unmotorable, severely affecting the lifeline connectivity of people in Shamator district.
It said the landslide-affected stretch near the NAP camp has been disrupting traffic since 2024 and extends approximately 200-300 metres, while the massive landslide near Shungkiu village has remained cut off since 2018 and extends around 400-500 metres.
According to the forum, the prolonged deterioration of both stretches has rendered them beyond ordinary repair and necessitates permanent reconstruction and proper engineering intervention.
The STPF said commuters have been compelled to use alternative routes, which add approximately 10-20 kilometres to their journeys. However, it maintained that the diversions are not a sustainable solution, as the alternative roads are themselves difficult and risky, particularly during the monsoon.
Poor road conditions, landslide-prone areas, narrow stretches and other hazards expose commuters to considerable risks to life and property, the forum said.
It added that lengthy and hazardous diversions could have serious consequences in emergency cases, particularly for patients, pregnant women, elderly persons and others requiring urgent medical attention.
The forum pointed out that NH-202 is a vital link for the people of Shamator district to Kiphire and Pungro headquarters and is used for the movement of essential commodities, patients, students, government employees and the general public.
It said the continued blockage has affected not only transportation but also healthcare, education, administration, trade and the overall socio-economic life of the district.
Expressing particular concern over the Shungkiu stretch, the STPF said the road has remained cut off since 2018. It stated that nearly eight years of disruption of such an important road connection “cannot be accepted as a normal situation”.
The STPF urged the state government to take up the matter with the concerned national highway authorities on the highest priority and ensure immediate technical inspection and assessment of both landslide-affected locations.
It also called for immediate restoration of temporary connectivity wherever technically feasible, along with permanent reconstruction of the approximately 400-500 metre Shungkiu stretch and the 200-300 metre NAP stretch.
The forum further demanded proper slope stabilisation, drainage, retaining structures and other scientific engineering measures to prevent recurring landslides.
It called for a clear, time-bound action plan for permanent restoration instead of repeated temporary repairs and assurances.
The STPF also appealed to the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) to intervene in the matter on topmost priority and take it up with the state government and concerned authorities.
It urged the YTC to pursue the matter until a permanent and time-bound solution is delivered, stating that the prolonged blockage directly affects the people of Shamator district and their connectivity to Kiphire and Pungro headquarters.
The forum reiterated that alternative routes cannot be considered a permanent solution, stating that adding 10-20 kilometres to journeys while forcing the public to travel through difficult and risky road conditions is neither reasonable nor sustainable.
The STPF called upon the state government and concerned national highway authorities to treat NH-202 as an urgent public infrastructure and safety issue and initiate immediate permanent restoration.
“NH-202 is not merely a road—it is the lifeline connecting the people of Shamator district to Kiphire and Pungro headquarters,” the forum stated, stressing the need for safe, reliable and all-weather connectivity.