The Kohima District Administration has temporarily prohibited the entry of all heavy vehicles bound for Manipur into Kohima district with immediate effect, citing severe road damage, active sinking zones and landslides along key stretches.
The order was issued by B Henok Buchem, District Magistrate and Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, following a joint inspection by officials of the district administration, Kohima Traffic Police, NPWD, NHIDCL, truck owners’ and drivers’ representatives and concerned village representatives.
The inspection found critical damage from the New Capital Complex (Phizo Hill) Junction to the Kidima-Pudunamei Junction, including an active sinking zone near KM +30 of Kohima Bypass Package-3. The subsidence has rendered the stretch completely unserviceable for vehicular traffic, with restoration expected to take at least 15 days.
The NH-29 stretch from DBS to BSF Camp, Keyake, was also reported to have suffered extensive damage and active sinking at multiple locations, making it unsafe for heavy motor vehicles.
The situation was further aggravated by a massive landslide reported at Phesama on the night of August 11 along the Kohima-Mao section of NH-02. According to NHIDCL, the landslide occurred between Chainage 191+840 and 192+100, causing severe slope instability and significant damage to the carriageway and rendering the stretch unsafe for both vehicles and pedestrians.
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Under the order, Manipur-bound heavy vehicles have been directed to divert through Peren district, subject to restrictions imposed by the competent authorities there.
Light motor vehicles would continue to ply through the Phesama-Kisama/Kigwema diversion route via Rhododendron Resort, for two-way traffic, subject to prevailing road and weather conditions and directions of the authorities.
The District Magistrate has also strictly advised pedestrians against entering, crossing or passing through the affected zones because of the risk posed by active landslides, subsidence and falling debris.
EPC contractors, NHIDCL, PWD (NH) and the Engineering Wing of the Urban Development Department have been directed to immediately deploy machinery and manpower for emergency restoration at the Kohima Bypass Package-3 sinking zone, the NH-29 stretch from DBS to BSF Camp, Keyake, and the urban road stretch from New Capital Complex (Phizo Hill) to BSF Camp, Keyake.
The restrictions have come into force immediately and will remain effective until further orders. Authorities have directed transport operators, drivers, commuters and the public to strictly comply with the order, warning that violations will invite action under applicable laws.
