NH 29 landslide: Nagaland chief minister calls high-level meeting to assess situation | MorungExpress

Restoration, alternative routes and relief measures discussed

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | 4 September

Following the tragic landslide and mudslide on National Highway 29 near Pherima and other locations, a high-level meeting was held on September 4, chaired by Prime Minister Neiphiu Rio with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of National Highways TR Zeliang, in presence of all concerned officials and authorities.

According to the state-run DIPR, the meeting was held to take stock of the situation following the landslides and damage on NH-29 (Dimapur-Kohima) and to discuss recovery and relief measures.

After a discussion, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was directed to make NH-29 operational within 24 hours to ensure that supply of essential commodities like fuel and food is not affected.

The implementing agency NHIDCL has been directed to take remedial measures, including deployment of latest technologies, to prevent such incidents in future and ensure that the Dimapur-Kohima waterway, a lifeline for Nagaland and Manipur, remains operational throughout the year.

The meeting also discussed alternative routes for light and heavy vehicles carrying essential goods. The alternative route to bypass the 'Pagla Pahar' area, where a portion of the highway was washed away by the Chathe river following a landslide, was also considered.

Accordingly, 7th mile NH-29 Sukhovi-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani has been chosen as an alternate route for light and heavy vehicles. For light vehicles, Showuba-Nuiland-Zhadima-NH-2 and New Chümoukedima to Old Chümoukedima (Old Check Gate) routes have been proposed. In the upstream part of NH-29, where vehicular movement is restricted due to another landslide near Dzüdza Bridge, Peducha to Tsiesema road has been designated for light and heavy vehicles.

In an announcement in the evening, the Ministry of the Interior instructed the respective district administration to set time slots for the movement of vehicles if necessary.

In this regard, the concerned Department of PWD (R&B) has been directed to maintain all alternate routes to ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity between Dimapur and Kohima.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has been directed to make immediate ex-gratia payments to the families of the dead and injured through the respective District Management Authorities (DDMAs).

Home page travel advice
• Light and heavy vehicles from Dimapur can move on 7th mile NH 29 of Sukhovi-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani road.

• Light vehicles are allowed to move on the Showuba-Nuiland-Zhadima-NH 2 road.

• Light vehicles are allowed to use the road from New Chumoukedima to Old Chumoukedima (Old Check Gate).

• All light and heavy vehicles travelling from Dimapur to Tseminyu/Wokha/Mokokchung/Zunebhoto etc. must use Peducha to Tsiesema road.

DC Perens broadcast slot
Pimla Junction-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani Road:

1) 6.00 am – 5.00 pm: Light vehicles (round trip) along Pimla-Mhainamtsi road

2) 17:00-00:00 hrs: Heavy vehicles come from Pimla-Mhainamtsi to Jharnapani

3) 00:00-06:00 hrs: Heavy vehicles travel from Jharnapani-Mhainamtsi to Pimla

Other alternative routes for HMV transporting essential goods
1. Jorhat-Mariani-Tsutapela Nagaland Gate-Tsurangkong-Longtho-Longnak-Changki-Chungtia-Mokokchung-VK-Wokha-Tseminyu-Kohima.

2. Merapani-Bhandari-Baghty-Sanis-Doyang-Bridge-Wokha-Tseminyu-Kohima (only up to 10 tons)

DC Niuland Helpdesk
The Deputy Commissioner of Niuland has issued a travel advisory informing that an alternate route from Niuland to Kohima via Ghotovi and Zhadima has been opened for vehicular traffic for light vehicles. A help desk has also been set up with the following telephone numbers for assistance: Vitoka Yepthomi, EAC Niuland – 7005469924; Inahoto Sema, EE, PWD (R&B) – 6009887733; James Jami, ACP Niuland – 7085055012; Kakheka Zhimomi, Chairman NTC – 7005492090; and Kahoto Jimomi, Hd GB Ghotovi Village – 6009749025