Kohima, July 21: In response to heavy monsoon-triggered landslides and road subsidence, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday inspected the severely affected stretch of National Highway-29 between Kohima and Dimapur. The visit follows days of disrupted vehicular movement caused by repeated mudslides and road damage along the highway and parts of NH-2 in the southern Angami region.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and National Highways in-charge T R Zeliang, the chief minister reviewed the damage, particularly at the old Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) dumping area, where a portion of the road had caved in, leaving a narrow passage for light vehicles only. Officials from the State Public Works Department (PWD), district administration, and leaders of the Jotsoma village joined the on-site inspection.

Expressing concern over the extent of the damage, Rio directed the PWD to conduct a detailed technical survey for new road cutting and restoration work in the affected zones. He also instructed the district administration to initiate dialogue with landowners on compensation issues, paving the way for road expansion and essential safety measures.

Highlighting the need for long-term solutions, the chief minister emphasized constructing durable drainage systems and using large hume pipes to manage rainwater and debris. He pointed out that other regions in the country have adopted bridge infrastructure in vulnerable areas and suggested that Nagaland explore similar approaches.

Taking to social media, Rio assured citizens that the government is actively working to restore connectivity and minimise public inconvenience. He also called for a comprehensive report from the PWD on damage across the state’s highways, with a unified proposal for post-monsoon restoration.

Jotsoma village leaders raised concerns about the potential threat posed to their elevated settlement by ongoing land subsidence and appealed for urgent construction of protection and retaining walls.

Deputy CM Zeliang disclosed that the Centre has sanctioned ₹24 crore for monsoon preparedness projects along the affected 12-km stretch, which includes slope protection and road repairs. Tenders floated on June 23 are scheduled to be opened on July 30, after which construction will commence. He added that geotextile and geosynthetic technologies, currently being tested in Chumoukedima’s Pagla Pahar area, could also be implemented in this region.

Regarding NH-2 at Phesama—where a 30-meter section sunk in June—Zeliang cited fresh mudslides and land compensation delays as causes for the repair halt. A joint inspection with NHIDCL officials and contractors is scheduled for Tuesday to expedite the process.

The state government is also exploring an alternative route connecting Kohima to Mao in Manipur to bypass the landslide-prone zones, subject to landowner cooperation.