The Nagaland Government has given the NHIDCL 72 hours (till Thursday) to clear the landslide debris at Sechü-Zubza on the National Highway 29 and reopen the critical road for regular traffic which is the lifeline to the State capital of Kohima and several other districts of the State.

In a letter to the Executive Director (P), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), RO-Kohima, the Commissioner & Secretary, Nagaland informed that a meeting was held 26th August 2024 in the Conference Hall of the Chief Secretary, Nagaland on the pressing matter and that the “State authorities have taken very serious note of the failure of the NHIDCL and the concerned Contractors in failing to clear the debris and open the National Highway for traffic.”

It expressed disappointment at the failure of the NHIDCL “despite the State machineries and the villagers having offered all possible support and assistance.” Therefore, the “State Government has decided to give the NHIDCL 72 hours effective immediately to clear and open this critical National Highway for regular traffic”, it stated.

The Government of Nagaland also said that “in case of failure by NHIDCL to open the road for traffic within the said period, the State Government will employ required machinery and manpower to open the road and the bills on expenditure incurred will be submitted to NHIDCL for payment.”

The section of NH 29 at Sechü-Zubza under Kohima district has been completely closed for vehicular traffic for around two weeks due to a severe landslide.