Southern Angami bodies call out NHIDCL over highway delay

DIMAPUR — The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) have called for immediate and decisive action from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to restore the collapsed stretch of National Highway 29 (AH-1) near Phesama.

In a press release issued on Friday, SAPO criticised the delay in the repair work, citing a “serious breach of trust” by NHIDCL. It recalled that on May 3, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang had visited the site along with officials from the Roads and Bridges department, NHIDCL, and public representatives, during which NHIDCL committed to completing the restoration within 10 days. However, “67 days have elapsed since the promised deadline, and the restoration work remains incomplete.”

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SAPO noted that despite repeated appeals from local stakeholders, including the Phesama Village Council, Phesama Youth Organisation (PYO), and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), little visible progress has been made.

“NHIDCL attributes the delay to unstable weather conditions. However, it must be noted that this situation reflects a serious breach of trust and a betrayal by NHIDCL towards the government and the citizens,” the SAPO press release stated.

It added that weather-related delays should not be used as an excuse when risk-mitigation measures and engineering interventions such as slope stabilisation, drainage improvements, and geotechnical monitoring are available to ensure safe operations even during the monsoon.

The collapsed highway is a vital lifeline for both Nagaland and Manipur, particularly for the Southern Angami region, enabling trade, education, and interstate movement. SAPO said the prolonged closure has disrupted lives and livelihoods, while alternative routes are deteriorating under the increased load.

The organisation also criticised the perceived indifference of the Manipur government, despite the road’s strategic importance for Manipur-bound traffic. SAPO urged the Manipur government to actively engage with the central government and relevant agencies instead of relying solely on the Nagaland administration.

Acknowledging reports that the Manipur government is exploring alternative routes from various directions, SAPO noted that this could potentially enhance long-term connectivity and regional sustainability and suggested that imposing restrictions on heavy vehicles along the southern segment of NH-29 may be a temporary solution to reduce deterioration and facilitate maintenance.

At the same time, it said that if Manipur’s government or its people consider NH-29 economically unviable, insecure, or inconsistent with their development goals, they should voice their concerns through constructive dialogue and formal channels. “They are respectfully encouraged to articulate their concerns and advocate for appropriate remedial measures,” it stated.

SAPO further urged NHIDCL to immediately proceed with the necessary measures to restore the road without delay.  “Failure to act may compel us to close down all alternative routes, affecting commuters from other states,” it asserted.

It further acknowledged the humanitarian efforts of the Phesama community—including the village council, youth organisation, and SAYO—for their coordination and assistance to commuters. It further expressed appreciation for the concern shown by public leaders and elected representatives who had all visited the site to press for early restoration.

In a separate memorandum submitted to NHIDCL’s Executive Director on Friday, SAYO said it had made repeated visits to the landslide site and observed minimal labour deployment despite the urgency of the situation.

Expressing concern over the “slow pace of progress,” it urged the agency to at least open a one-way passage for heavy vehicles as a temporary relief measure.

The youth body also noted that the Phesama Village Council had already issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on June 5 for land acquisition to facilitate the repair work.

Given the strategic and public importance of this road, it urged the agency to expedite the ongoing restoration work by deploying additional manpower, machinery, and technical support.

“A timely completion of the repair will not only restore vital connectivity but also prevent further deterioration of the affected area, especially during this monsoon season,” said, adding that it would continue to monitor the situation on the ground.

Chakhabama to Mao stretch

In a separate representation to the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), Kezocha, SAYO also raised concern over deteriorating road conditions on the Chakhabama to Mao stretch, particularly between Kidima village and Kezo town.

During a survey conducted on June 21, the student organisation found several damaged portions of road and clogged drainages, which it said have resulted in daily traffic congestion.

SAYO pointed out that while the Nagaland government has remained “idle,” it was the Senapati Truckers’ Union from neighbouring Manipur that had begun repair efforts along this stretch.

The youth organisation urged the administration to take immediate steps to address the issue, adding that the Southern Angami public would remain grateful for any timely intervention.