Restoration, alternate routes, and relief measures discussed
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | September 4
Following the tragic landslide and mudslide on National Highway-29 near Pherima and other locations, a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-charge of National Highway TR Zeliang, was held along with all the concerned officials and agencies, on September 4.
According to the State DIPR, the meeting was held to take stock of the situation in the wake of the landslides and damages caused on NH-29 (Dimapur–Kohima) and to discuss restoration and relief measures.
After discussion, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was directed to make NH-29 operational within 24 hours to ensure that the supply of essential commodities such as fuel and food items was not adversely affected.
The implementing agency, NHIDCL, was instructed to take rectification measures, including the deployment of the latest technology, to prevent such events in the future and to ensure that the Dimapur-Kohima NH, a lifeline for both Nagaland and Manipur, is maintained throughout the year.
The meeting also discussed alternative routes for both light and heavy vehicles carrying essential goods. The alternate 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, the 7th Mile NH-29 Sukhovi-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani was chosen as an alternate route for both light and heavy vehicles. For light vehicles, the Showuba-Nuiland-Zhadima-NH-2 and New Chümoukedima to Old Chümoukedima (Old Check Gate) routes were suggested. In the upward portion of NH-29, where vehicle movement is restricted due to another landslide near Dzüdza Bridge, the Peducha to Tsiesema road was designated for both light and heavy vehicles.
In a advisory in the evening, the Home Department direct respective district administration to decide on time slots for movement of vehicles if required.
In this connection, the concerned Department of PWD (R&B) was directed to maintain all the alternative routes to ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity between Dimapur and Kohima.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority was directed to release ex-gratia payments to the families of the deceased and injured immediately through the respective district authorities (DDMAs).
Home Department Travel Advisory
• Light Vehicles and heavy vehicles from Dimapur to move along the 7th Mile NH 29 Sukhovi-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani road.
• Light Vehicles to move along the Showuba-Nuiland-Zhadima-NH 2road.
• Light Vehicles may use the New Chumoukedima to Old Chumoukedima (Old Check Gate) road.
• All light as well as heavy vehicles bound for Tseminyu/Wokha/Mokokchung/Zunebhoto etc from Dimapur to use the Peducha to Tsiesema road.
DC Peren’s time slot
Pimla Junction-Mhainamtsi- Jharnapani road:
1) 6 AM- 5 PM: Light vehicles (to and fro) along the Pimla-Mhainamtsi road
2) 5 PM- 12 AM: Heavy vehicles coming up from Pimla-Mhainamtsi to Jharnapani
3) 12 AM-6 AM: Heavy vehicles going down from Jharnapani-Mhainamtsi to Pimla
Other alternate routes for HMV carrying essential commodities
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 (upto 10 Tonnes only)
DC Niuland help desk
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 to vehicular traffic for light vehicles. It also constituted a help desk with following number 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
