Zuvotong Colony was once again faced by serious challenges today as heavy rainfall flooded caused flooding in homes and on the streets. Every year, residents of the colony endure the same problem with waterlogging becoming a regular nightmare due to lack of proper drainage systems and inadequate infrastructure.

Speaking with Nagaland Tribune, Thungchanbemo Lotha, Chairman, Zuvotong Colony, informed that the area is challenged by the same problem every year. He informed that earlier there was a culvert at the junction connecting Blue Hill and National Highway 2 but it was damage by the ongoing expansion of the Highway, with the condition that a bigger and better culvert would be constructed for the smooth flow of the water. However, a small culvert was constructed and since last year, whenever it rains, there is an over flooding problem.

Thungchanbemo Lotha informed that three council chairmen from Zuvotong, upper Zuvotong and Blue Hill Colony had sent a report along with photographs of the situation to the then Deputy Commissioner of Wokha in 2022 but there was no response nor action from the authorities, after which they took the decision and dismantled the culvert.

Lotha said that the culvert was left unfilled for three-four months with no positive outcome and therefore the concerned citizens urged the authorities to fill it up but without any success. Finally, the colonies hired an excavator and filled the culvert with the same pipe which is too small to serve the purpose.

The Chairman mentioned that today after the heavy rainfall, water entered homes of several residents of Zuvotong Colony causing significant damage to personal property.

“This happens every monsoon, and it feels like no one is listening to our problems,” expressed one frustrated resident.

Large potholes on the road were filled with rainwater, turning the streets into dangerous, waterlogged traps which not only disrupted daily life but also posed serious risks to both pedestrians and vehicles.

The absence of a proper drainage system is the root cause of the colony’s persistent woes. Without a means to channel rainwater away from homes and streets, water accumulates in low-lying areas, leading to widespread damage.

Additionally, the row of shops in the colony has been severely affected, with floodwaters entering the premises, forcing temporary closures due to water damage.

Besides Zuvotong Colony, other colonies in Wokha Town were also said to be affected by the heavy rains on Monday. A landslide occurred at PWD Colony blocking the Wokha District Hospital Road.