Proposal to improve Jotsoma road as per National Highway specification
Emilo Khuvung
Kohima | September 8
Nagaland is experiencing one of the highest rainfalls this monsoon resulting in massive landslides across the state. The most visible sign of this can be seen along NH-39 near KMC Dumping ground, situated 5 Kms away from Kohima. The continuing sinking area which is now almost 2 months since it first occurred appears to have become more like a paddy field with the old road submerged deep inside the landslide area. The stretch of the sinking zone is now almost 430 meters in length, while its breath stretches to almost half a kilometer. With the incessant rain, more cracks along the slope of the mountain are widening making the stretch more vulnerable.
Assistant Engineer, In-charge of NH-39, Hakam Singh disclosed that “A huge number of cracks lie on the slope of the mountain, so when it rains the mud easily flushes down like flowing river”. Seeing the deplorable condition of the road, the BRTF has come up with a proposal for an alternative road. However, the efforts put in by 4 tractors and two JCBs seem to be in vain with the rain washing away all the fresh cuttings.
With the weather condition being favorable in the last two days, the BRTF has again restarted fresh cutting of the soil on both side stretching to around 60 meters.
“There is visible sign of hard rock following fresh cutting and we are optimistic that atleast a temporary road can be restored, provided the rain does not play havoc and if the weather allow us to work, it will be completed within a week time to facilitate flow of light vehicles”, commented Singh.
Nevertheless, the BRO is also not confident that the alternative road will be durable as the area happens to fall within the landslide/ sinking zone. It is also reported that with no alternative the BRO have submitted a proposal to enlarge Jotsoma Bye-Pass road as per National Highway Specification.
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