Tuensang colony battles landslides with little help

A year since disaster struck, residents in Phinjang Colony still await geotechnical surveys and permanent safeguards

Morung Express News
Tuensang | June 9

Amid continued vulnerability to landslides, residents of Phinjang Colony in Tuensang have relied largely on community-led efforts and individual contributions to sustain recovery and preventive measures. Nearly a year since heavy monsoon rains triggered widespread damage, local leaders say while they remain grateful for the support received so far, long-term government intervention is still urgently needed.

Chollen Chang, Convenor of the Disaster Management Committee of Phinjang Colony, Tuensang, expressed gratitude on Sunday to donors and well-wishers who extended support to the colony’s landslide victims. Addressing reporters, Chang said the community has been managing relief efforts for nearly a year amid repeated landslides that have displaced families and damaged property in the area.

Chang particularly thanked P. Bashang Chang, Minister for Public Works, Housing and Mechanical Engineering, who contributed Rs 7 lakh towards the colony’s recovery efforts. He also acknowledged support from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tuensang District Administration, Eleutheros Christian Society, and residents of the colony who contributed both financially and physically.

Senso, a resident of Phinjang Colony and member of the disaster committee, said the colony began taking precautionary steps as early as August 15, 2024. He said that since then, residents have continuously worked to prevent further soil erosion and displacement. “We started with what we had. We installed tarpaulin and mica sheets on cracked soil, constructed makeshift dams, and planted vetiver grass and banyan trees to stabilize the area,” he said.

The vetiver grass was donated by the Eleutheros Christian Society. In addition, five truckloads of rocks were brought from nearby villages to construct barricades using sausage wire and community labor.

Despite repeated visits by various government departments, the residents said they have not received any formal reports or follow-up assessments. “We were never informed about the findings of those surveys. There has been no official communication,” Senso said.

According to earlier reports published in August 2024, Tuensang District experienced widespread landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall, affecting more than 250 households and displacing at least 768 people. Two relief camps were established at C/Khel Ground and Old Church building to accommodate the displaced. Phinjang Colony, located near NST Ward, was among the worst affected.

Community leaders said only about 10 percent of at-risk houses were evacuated, leaving many residents in precarious conditions. The colony's terrain, already weakened from years of erosion, saw fresh landslide zones that forced families to abandon homes and relocate temporarily.

Chollen Chang said that while the community remains grateful for individual acts of generosity, there is an urgent need for state intervention. “We appeal to the Government of Nagaland to listen to our situation and help us build a proper dam. It is the only permanent solution,” he said.

Residents said the voluntary efforts cannot replace structural solutions. “We are managing now, but this is temporary. Without government-engineered intervention, the danger remains,” Senso said.

For more than two decades, Phinjang Colony has been prone to landslides. Residents say the current crisis is among the worst in recent memory and have urged authorities to conduct a proper geotechnical survey and implement long-term preventive infrastructure.

As of now, the community continues to maintain its makeshift barriers and plant erosion-resistant vegetation in anticipation of further rainfall. The appeal remains pending.