In view of the intermittent fall of debris from adjoining hill slopes and the continuous sinking of the road at the Phesama Sinking Zone along the Kohima-Mao section of National Highway-2, the District Magistrate, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, has issued a series of regulations and advisories with immediate effect to ensure public safety and prevent accidents.
The affected stretch, located between Chainage No. Km 191+840 and Km 192+100, has severely compromised road safety and disrupted normal traffic movement due to the sinking of the road and falling debris.
As per the order issued on August 11, all heavy commercial vehicles bound for Manipur or Jakhama Sub-Division will be restricted at Peducha under Sechu Zubza Sub-Division. The vehicles will be released periodically depending on the progress of restoration works and prevailing road conditions at the affected stretch. The Kohima Traffic Police has been directed to deploy personnel at Peducha and other strategic points to strictly enforce and regulate the restriction on heavy vehicles.
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Manipur-bound heavy vehicles have also been advised to take the alternate route through Peren District, in accordance with the existing regulations on heavy vehicles imposed by the Peren District authorities. In case of emergencies, the Kohima-Jessami and Chakhabama-Zunheboto roads may be utilized.
Meanwhile, light motor vehicles (LMVs) will continue to be diverted through the Phesama–Kisama–Kigwema route, passing through Rhododendron Resort, for two-way traffic. The alternate route is being actively maintained by the Executive Engineer, R&B South Division.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PMU-Jakhama, has been directed to mobilize maximum machinery and manpower and undertake restoration works at the Phesama sinking zone on a daily basis from 6:00 AM onwards. The restoration efforts will focus on continuous debris clearance and stabilization of the affected road stretch.
For safety reasons, pedestrians have also been strictly advised to avoid crossing through the affected landslide section.
