MLA Kevipodi Sophie, DC Kohima B Henok Buchem, officials and village leaders inspect the landslide restoration work at Phesama on September 28.
Kohima, September 28 (MExN): The affected stretch of NH-2 at Phesama in Kohima district is expected to be made motorable by the first week of November, following an assurance from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The assurance was conveyed during a joint inspection of the ongoing restoration work along the Kohima-Mao section of NH-2 between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 on September 28.
The inspection was attended by officials from the district administration, police, PWD (NH), NHIDCL, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Southern Angami Public Organisation, Phesama Village Council and local youth.
MLA Kevipodi Sophie said the landslide at the location had occurred repeatedly, while persistent rainfall had delayed the restoration work.
Sophie acknowledged the cooperation of the Southern Angami people, particularly the Phesama Village Council and youth, in managing traffic during the disruption. He also thanked residents of the Kezocha area for bearing the increased movement of heavy vehicles, including vehicles travelling towards Manipur, despite the poor condition of the road.
He said the disruption had affected residents, schoolchildren and the transportation of essential commodities. Sophie added that farmers whose paddy fields had been affected would be considered for assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Describing NH-2 as a vital highway connecting Nagaland with the Southeast Asian region, Sophie urged the authorities to expedite the restoration work in the public interest.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima B Henok Buchem, NCS, said no reports had been received of families being directly affected by the landslide. However, agricultural fields, particularly paddy fields, had been impacted.
Buchem said necessary assistance would be considered under the SDRF. He also appreciated the cooperation and resilience of the people of Southern Angami, particularly the Phesama Village Council and youth, for assisting with traffic regulation during the disruption.
The DC also acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents of the Kezocha area due to increased heavy vehicular movement towards Manipur.
