In the wake of massive mudslide at Phesama-Kisama bypass road near Rhododendron Resort on Sunday, temporarily disrupting traffic along the route, authorities on Monday initiated debris clearance efforts, but continued rainfall has slowed the restoration process.
After the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima issued a traffic advisory on July 20, notifying that the affected section of the alternative route between Phesama and Kisama/Kigwema would remain closed to all traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 21 to facilitate urgent restoration work.
Though nearby farmhouses escaped severe structural damage, the area has been affected, with at least 7 to 8 vehicles damaged by falling debris. This is the second major disruption to local transport after a large landslide closed NH-2 in April. With no viable detour available, authorities were forced to make a risky call — temporarily reopening the under-repair NH-2 to ensure movement. Braving rain and unstable terrain, Phesama youth and local volunteers worked late into the night, clearing portions of the blocked road until 11 p.m. Their efforts were supported by Ketoubuzo Lhoushe, who provided crucial machinery for emergency use.
Today, the Public Works Department (PWD) has taken over the restoration drive, deploying additional machinery to clear the blocked stretch.
Alternative route between Phesama and Kigwema reopened
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, has issued a traffic advisory notifying the public that the alternative route between Phesama and Kisama/Kigwema for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) has been restored and reopened for traffic with immediate effect.
However, in light of public safety concerns, the advisory further states that vehicular movement along the landslide-affected section of National Highway-2 near Kisama shall remain restricted.
Commuters have been advised to avoid non-essential travel on the affected stretch and refrain from night journeys.
Stating that traffic would be regulated in the event of further mudslides, the DC advised the commuters to exercise caution and take necessary precautions while traveling in and around the affected areas.
On July 20, Deputy Commissioner Kohima issued a traffic advisory in view of the mudslide and the affected section of the road was closed for all forms of traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 21 to facilitate urgent restoration works.
However, medical emergencies and school/college bound vehicles were allowed to ply on NH-2, which has been partially restored while all other light motor vehicles were diverted towards Kigwema-Kezo Town/Chakhabama-Kohima route. Commuters were urged to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with traffic management authorities.
Students demand online classes amid travel woes
Meanwhile, talking about the plight of the students commuting daily from Kohima to reach Jakhama, a student said that day scholars are finding it difficult to reach college on time. After Sunday’s incident, it has become more difficult, she added.
She also mentioned that the new route takes more than two hours, which is why some Sumo drivers are reluctant to carry passengers. She mentioned due to time constraints, many students are avoiding the longer Chakhabama route and instead choosing to travel on the partially restored NH-2, despite the increased risk and unsafe road conditions.
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In the light of the challenges faced by students commuting daily from Kohim town, some students expressed their grievances through a brief protest. However, it was reported that the college authorities had earlier issued a notification instructing students to manage their own travel arrangements and expenses.
The student further stated that they had also requested the college authorities to look into the matter and requested for online classes for the welfare of day scholars, however, there has been no reply.
On July 21, some students of St Joseph College Jakhama requested the management for online classes and suspend classes for few days. However, the college authorities have said that they would inform the students after talking with the management.
The student also maintained that not all the students are staying with family members which is financially draining them. The student also requested the college authorities for an early solution to their grievances.
