The Longleng district administration has recommended that the State Government declare the district an L3 Disaster Affected Area, as widespread landslides and flash floods triggered by incessant monsoon rains have severely damaged roads, villages, farmlands and public infrastructure, leaving several areas completely cut off.
The recommendation was made during a joint meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), line departments, civil society organisations (CSOs), and officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and executing agencies, held at the DPDB Hall, Longleng, on August 4.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman W. Manpai Phom, NCS, described the situation as a “massive disaster” that extends far beyond the routine monsoon disruptions experienced every year.
“This is not the usual annual monsoon damage caused by landslides and road sinking. Ground assessments indicate extensive destruction of forests, agricultural land, houses and public infrastructure,” he said.
The DC noted that the full extent of the damage has yet to be assessed, as several villages remain inaccessible due to collapsed road connectivity. Areas under the Yongyah EAC Circle, where three to four villages have been completely cut off, and parts of Namsang affected by damage along the Merangkong-Tamlu road, continue to remain isolated.
He commended the coordinated response of the DDMA, the Phom People’s Council (PPC), the Phom Students’ Conference (PSC), various government departments, NGOs and volunteers for their efforts in responding to the crisis despite difficult conditions.
According to a DIPR update, the administration also presented a detailed ground assessment report through a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the extensive damage across the district.
Representing the Phom community, Phom People’s Council President Y.B. Angam Phom submitted an urgent memorandum highlighting concerns over alleged substandard construction, poor engineering practices, ecological degradation and the severe hardship caused by the condition of the Longleng-Changtongya and Merangkong-Tamlu stretches of NH-702.
The Council demanded immediate site inspections, relief and compensation for affected residents of Alayung village, protection of the Dikhu Bridge abutment wall, emergency reconstruction between Yongmon and Longleng, realignment of the proposed Longleng town bypass under the SARDP Phase-A project, improved quality control and accountability, emergency drainage and retaining wall construction, environmental restoration, and round-the-clock deployment of machinery for road maintenance.
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Responding to the concerns, NHIDCL Executive Director R.P. Singh assured that every effort was being made to restore road connectivity in the district and maintain access to neighbouring districts, Assam and other northeastern states.
He acknowledged that the scale of the damage and prevailing weather conditions make permanent restoration impossible during August.
“Our immediate priority is to clear landslides, install Bailey bridges wherever required and ensure that at least one lane remains open for emergency services and essential traffic. Permanent restoration and road upgradation will commence from September once weather conditions improve,” Singh said.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stressed that road connectivity remains the lifeline not only for Longleng but also for neighbouring districts and called for strict monitoring of restoration works to ensure quality and accountability.
He expressed concern over highway contracts being repeatedly subcontracted, which, he said, has weakened accountability and affected the quality of maintenance. While acknowledging that temporary restoration has been carried out in some stretches, he said substantial damage remains across large sections of the highways.
The DC urged executing agencies, particularly those handling Package-I and Package-II works, to ensure regular maintenance with proper technical scrutiny and adequate resources. He also called for a comprehensive inspection of both highway packages, noting that nearly the entire Package-I stretch has suffered extensive damage and would require additional funding and long-term restoration.
Reaffirming the administration’s support, he assured that all necessary assistance from the district administration and civil society organisations would be extended to facilitate the early restoration of connectivity and normalcy across the district.
