DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, along with officials of District Administration, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), other stakeholder departments, and contractors during site inspection of natural gas pipeline at Sechü-Zubza in Kohima on September 23. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima DC directs uninterrupted pipeline work despite rain
Kohima, September 23 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, led a site inspection on September 23 for the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) pipeline project.
The team, which included Revenue Officer Kohima Kevingoto Kulnu, SDO Sechü-Zubza Imliakum Sanglir, General Manager, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), and other officials from IGGL and Department of Geology and Mining, DPRO Kohima, and contractors of the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) Dimapur–Imphal Pipeline Project, NHIDCL, assessed various locations where natural gas pipeline is to be laid under Kohima district.
As per the DIPR report, IGGL officials informed that around 40% of the work in the State is expected to be completed by December 2025, while the overall completion deadline has been revised to March 2027. Contractors highlighted difficulties faced in executing the work due to multiple factors. Minor issues between NHIDCL and IGGL were also resolved on-site during the inspection, it stated.
Citing unstable geology and apprehension of villages, the DC Kohima stressed that the pipeline must be laid on the hill side of NH ROW and cautioned that work should not be halted citing monsoon, since Kohima experiences rainfall throughout the year.
Buchem expressed dissatisfaction over the work progress and insufficient personnel deployment by the contractor. Contractor assured immediate deployment of additional teams for demarcation and laying of pipelines, and demarcation of re-route alignment shall be completed by October 31, 2025 and also laying of pipelines shall be completed For NH stretch where ROU is available.
The DC Kohima urged contractors to devise alternative strategies for the rainy season and to ensure timely completion of works. He further assured that the district administration will support in implementation of the project and closely monitor the project’s progress.
IGGL officials briefed the team on various technical processes being carried out, including stringing of pipes, welding, copper slag blasting and coating, laying of warning mesh, cathodic protection, and trenching activities.
It was also highlighted that the North-East Gas Grid Project was conceived under the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East India, aimed at improving energy infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
