KISAMA, AUG17: Southern Angami-I MLA Kevipodi Sophie and Southern Angami-II MLA and Advisor for Prison, Printing & Stationery, Er. Kropol Vitsu, on Monday inspected the landslide-affected stretch at Kisama and directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to take immediate steps to restore connectivity.
The Kisama–Phesama stretch has remained completely cut off following a massive landslide triggered by incessant rainfall, disrupting the movement of commuters, pedestrians, villagers and students, as well as people travelling between Nagaland and Manipur.
Speaking at the site, Kropol Vitsu said the MLAs had held discussions with NHIDCL authorities regarding the immediate restoration of the road.
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He said the obstruction was caused by a massive movement of earth from the hillside, with the affected stretch extending about 300 metres and the upper portion of the landslide extending around 70 metres.
Vitsu said the immediate priority was to create a passage for pedestrians and light vehicles, followed by efforts to restore movement for heavier vehicles.
He said NHIDCL officials had agreed to begin work on Tuesday to clear a passage for public movement.
He added that long-term restoration would require a technical assessment, proper drainage and measures to prevent further movement of earth. Pointing to the large catchment area above the affected stretch, he stressed the need for proper water channels to safely divert rainwater towards the stream.
Technical experts from outside the state are expected to study the soil and ground conditions and identify factors contributing to the landslide.
Vitsu also said the alternate route being used by smaller vehicles through Phesama Main Junction, Rhododendron, Kisama and Kigwema was in poor condition due to the increased volume of traffic.
He said NHIDCL had indicated that if the State Government, through the Chief Engineer, Roads & Bridges, prepared an estimate for the maintenance of the alternative road, the corporation would process it for consideration by the authorities in Delhi under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
NHIDCL Nagaland Executive Director R.P. Singh said the landslide occurred on August 13, resulting in the complete stoppage of vehicular movement along the affected stretch.
Singh said machinery had not yet been deployed because the entire mass of earth from the hillside had moved towards the valley side, and a technical plan was required before undertaking the main restoration work.
He said technical experts were expected to arrive on Tuesday to vet the proposed restoration plan. In the meantime, NHIDCL would deploy machinery to create a passage for pedestrians.
During the inspection, the MLAs expressed concern over the delay in restoring connectivity and stressed that restoration should not be linked solely to the upcoming Hornbill Festival. They said the road serves people throughout the year and that immediate restoration was necessary to reduce the hardship faced by villagers, students, commuters and travellers between Nagaland and Manipur.
NHIDCL officials had earlier indicated that efforts would be made to restore connectivity before the Hornbill Festival. The MLAs, however, emphasised that restoration should begin immediately rather than being tied to a festival deadline.
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Officials also said the landslide was being aggravated by water accumulation and the movement of earth from the upper slope, making proper drainage and technical intervention essential for stable restoration.
The inspection was attended by representatives of the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO), the Deputy Commissioner and other officials.
Presently, light vehicular movement is being diverted through the Kisama main area as an alternative route. NHIDCL has assured that restoration work will resume on Tuesday, with priority being given to restoring pedestrian and light vehicular movement.
