Kohima, July 31 (MExN): The District Magistrate of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, has ordered the temporary closure of a vulnerable stretch of National Highway-2 at the Phesama Sinking Zone for 12 hours on August 2, to facilitate urgent restoration works and ensure public safety.
The closure, effective from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, will impact the section between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 along the Kohima–Mao corridor, following active debris sliding from adjacent hill slopes in the sinking area, an official notification stated.
During the shutdown, all Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will be diverted via the Phesama–Kisama/Kigwema route through Rhododendron Resort, which will operate two-way traffic. For Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) destined for Manipur, the administration has advised routing through Peren District, while the Kohima–Jessami and Chakhabama–Zunheboto roads may be used in emergencies, subject to prescribed load limits.
The District Magistrate has appealed to the public for full cooperation during the temporary closure, emphasising that the measure is essential for public safety and the smooth execution of restoration works.
Phek-Chozuba stretch of NH-702A blocked
Meanwhile, in view of the occurrence of a major landslide and mudslide at Km.161+700 near Surhoba Village, the Phek-Chozuba stretch of NH-702A has been completely blocked to vehicular traffic.
Therefore, as a precautionary measure and in the interest of public safety, the movement of all categories of vehicles along the aforesaid stretch of the National Highway is hereby prohibited with effect from 31st July, 2026, until the road is cleared and declared safe for vehicular movement.
This was stated by Phek DC Rhosietho Nguori in traffic advisory. During the period of restriction, commuters have been advised to use the alternate route via Phek-Khuza-Mutsale-Phuhgi-Sukruzu Chozuba and vice versa may be utilized. This advisory shall remain in force until further notice, the DC stated.
