With a major section of National Highway-2 (NH-2) rendered unserviceable due to landslides and severe road subsidence caused by continuous rainfall, the Mokokchung district administration has declared the Mokokchung-Mariani Road (NH-702D) as the district’s primary lifeline to maintain connectivity, facilitate public transport and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities for the district.
The decision was taken during a District Level Coordination Meeting convened by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, at the DC Conference Hall on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by officials from key departments, including Police, Health, Food & Civil Supplies, PWD (NH & R&B), PHED, Power, BSNL, representatives of the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), transport operators, civil societies and other stakeholders to review the district’s flood and landslide situation and coordinate restoration measures.
Opening the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said restoring NH-2 remains the administration’s highest priority. However, until the damaged highway is reopened, he stressed that NH-702D must be continuously monitored and maintained as it is currently the only dependable road link connecting Mokokchung with the rest of the state. He directed PWD (National Highways) to prepare a detailed restoration plan for NH-2 for submission to the Chief Engineer while ensuring uninterrupted maintenance of NH-702D. All departments were instructed to activate contingency plans and work in close coordination.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the meeting that the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) currently has an emergency relief fund of ₹8 lakh, which can be utilised for immediate restoration works within the permissible financial limit during emergencies. He said the fund is also being used to provide immediate relief to affected families.
Executive Engineer, PWD (National Highways), Lima, informed the meeting that 30 landslides have now been reported along the Mokokchung-Tuli route, up from the earlier assessment of 25. While most are minor, Chuchuyimlang – Unger-Merangkong, five major landslides have significantly disrupted connectivity, including two between Tzudikong and Tuli. He said heavy machinery and manpower have been deployed, with priority being given to clearing the Tzudikong-Tuli section. Restoration of the Unger-Chuchuyimlang stretch, where massive cracks and road subsidence have developed, is expected to take considerably longer.
PWD (Roads & Bridges) informed the meeting that the A-T road (Asetkong – Asangma – Tsusangra) remains the only alternate route to Tuli subdivision. Five damaged roads under the department have already been reopened, but the NH-2-Salulamang stretch remains completely cut off. Officials estimated that restoration of at least a single lane could take another four to five days, subject to favourable weather.
The Food & Civil Supplies Department informed the meeting that around 22,000 quintals of food grains, sufficient for nearly two months of Public Distribution System (PDS) requirements, are currently available in the district unless other districts needs arise. Officials said the district requires approximately 6,400 quintals every month and assured that there would be no shortage as long as road connectivity is maintained. They also clarified that delays in LPG supply were caused by road blockages rather than shortages, with emergency consignments continuing to arrive from Dimapur.
Representatives of the MCCI stated that stocks of essential commodities available with traders could last seven to ten days, provided fresh supplies continue to arrive. They raised concerns over transporters demanding higher freight charges due to poor road conditions but agreed to utilise NH-702D for transporting essential goods and assured that transport charges would not be increased immediately. The Deputy Commissioner appealed to transporters and traders not to create panic and advised continued use of NH-702D for at least the next two weeks while restoration work on NH-2 continues. He also directed that overloading of trucks and buses be strictly avoided to minimise damage to the alternate route.
The Power Department informed the meeting that electricity supply to the Chuchuyimlang-Yisemyong area remains disrupted after landslides damaged the transmission line. Officials said restoration is now being planned through a new 33 KV line from Impur Junction to Yisemyong, currently under construction, which may restore power in about 20 days. Constructing an entirely new line, if required, could take two to three months. The Deputy Commissioner instructed the department to expedite the work and provide regular updates.
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PHED officials reported that while no major damage to water supply infrastructure has been officially confirmed, several villages have reported damaged pipelines due to landslides. Field assessments are underway, including in Mokokchung town. The Deputy Commissioner directed PHED officials to remain stationed in Tuli if required until normal water supply is restored.
BSNL informed the meeting that mobile connectivity remains disrupted around Tuli, Tuli Paper Mill and Tzudikong after landslides damaged communication infrastructure. Restoration between Tuli and Tzudikong cannot begin until roads are reopened, although services beyond Tuli towards Assam remain operational. Connectivity between Changki and Mariani is also under restoration. Officials from Jio and Airtel were absent from the meeting, and the Deputy Commissioner said they would be called separately to review service restoration.
The Chief Medical Officer informed the meeting that monsoon preparedness measures had already been initiated earlier and medical supplies distributed to health centres across the district. No casualties have been reported in Mokokchung district due to the ongoing floods and landslides. Medical officers have been deployed to support Tuli, medicines are being redirected where needed, and additional supplies will be procured if necessary. The Deputy Commissioner suggested deploying a mobile medical unit in Tuli and directed all doctors and nursing personnel to remain at their respective stations.
Representatives of passenger transport operators informed the meeting that bus services to Guwahati remain suspended due to unsafe road conditions and concerns for passenger safety. They said operations would resume only after road conditions improve. The administration directed operators to continue the services coordinating with district authorities for the public.
The meeting also reviewed the condition of the Longpong Bridge on the A-T Road. PWD informed members that the ageing bridge cannot safely withstand heavy loads despite earlier repairs, and traffic restrictions imposed by neighbouring villages remain in force. The Police Department was directed to strictly enforce load restrictions.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated that NH-702D will remain Mokokchung district’s lifeline until NH-2 is restored. He directed all departments to maintain continuous monitoring of the route, position machinery at vulnerable locations, share contact details of responsible officers with transporters, and ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities and public services.
