Landslide cuts off Pfutsero–Phek lifeline, concerns over road maintenance

PFUTSERO, June 17: A massive landslide has completely blocked the crucial Pfutsero–Phek road via Sakraba between Pholami and Khomi, severing the main link to Phek district headquarters and exposing concerns over the maintenance of one of the district’s most vital road corridors.

The landslide, which occurred late on the night of June 16, has disrupted transportation, threatened the supply of essential commodities, and raised fears over access to healthcare and emergency services for residents of villages along the route.

The latest closure has reignited public concerns over accountability for the road’s upkeep. Constructed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North East (SARDP-NE) and executed by NHIDCL, the road was reportedly handed over to the Nagaland PWD after the completion of its defect liability period.

Residents allege that despite repeated monsoon-triggered disruptions, no visible maintenance or pre-monsoon preparedness measures have been undertaken since the handover. Commuters also point to an uncleared rockfall stretch between Porba and Pfutsero, which continues to pose a safety risk.

With heavy rainfall persisting across the district, locals fear further landslides and road blockages. However, uncertainty remains over which agency is responsible for clearing debris and restoring connectivity during such emergencies.

Landslide cuts off Pfutsero–Phek lifeline, concerns over road maintenance

According to residents, minor landslides in recent weeks had to be cleared using privately arranged machinery due to delays in official response. The absence of an alternative route to Phek headquarters has further heightened concerns, leaving the district vulnerable whenever the road is cut off.

The latest disruption has prompted renewed calls for immediate restoration work, clearer accountability among departments, and a long-term maintenance plan to ensure uninterrupted connectivity on the district’s critical lifeline road.

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