A high-level monsoon preparedness meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex (CMRC) in Kohima on Friday under the chairmanship of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio to review the State’s readiness and disaster response mechanisms ahead of the approaching monsoon season.
The meeting brought together senior government officials and key departments to assess preparedness measures, review vulnerable areas, and strengthen inter-departmental coordination to minimise disruptions and ensure public safety during the monsoon period.
During the meeting, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) presented meteorological inputs and monsoon forecasts, highlighting expected rainfall patterns and identifying potential risk zones across the State that may be vulnerable to landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage.
The Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) briefed the meeting on the condition and preparedness of road infrastructure, including ongoing maintenance works, identification of vulnerable road stretches, and contingency plans to tackle possible landslides and road blockages.
Special attention was given to the State’s crucial highway corridors, particularly NH-29 connecting Dimapur and Kohima and NH-02 linking Kohima and Mao, both of which frequently face landslides and traffic disruptions during heavy rainfall. The meeting deliberated on preventive measures to reduce risks along these routes and discussed the possible regulation of heavy vehicles, especially those with more than 10-wheel configurations, to ensure smoother traffic movement and road safety during the monsoon season.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Officials from the Home Guards, Civil Defence, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) outlined their emergency response plans, including deployment of manpower, availability of rescue equipment, and coordination strategies to ensure rapid response during emergencies.
The Health & Family Welfare Department informed the meeting about healthcare preparedness, including the readiness of medical personnel, availability of emergency medicines, and contingency arrangements to handle health-related emergencies during the monsoon period.
The Food & Civil Supplies Department, along with Agriculture and allied departments, also apprised the meeting about stocking and distribution mechanisms for essential commodities to ensure uninterrupted supply chains, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas that may face temporary disconnection due to landslides or road damage.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio stressed the need for a proactive and coordinated approach among all departments to effectively tackle monsoon-related challenges. He emphasised the importance of timely intervention, efficient communication, and collective responsibility in protecting lives and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The Chief Minister further directed all concerned departments to ensure that machinery, equipment, and emergency response systems are strategically positioned and maintained in full operational readiness to respond swiftly to any eventuality during the monsoon season.
The meeting also witnessed active participation and inputs from Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, Minister for Roads & Bridges, G Kaito Aye, Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, and Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA , Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, who reviewed key concerns and offered suggestions regarding the State’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
