Nagaland: Phesama Council urges Govt, NHIDCL to expedite repair works of NH-2

Kohima, July 28: As relentless monsoon rains continue to lash Nagaland, the dangerous Phesama Sinking Zone along the Kohima–Mao stretch of National Highway-2 has once again become a major safety concern, threatening the lives of commuters, students and motorists.

The Office of the District Magistrate, Kohima, had on July 24 issued a travel advisory urging the public to avoid travelling through the affected stretch during heavy rainfall and at night due to the risk of falling rocks, boulders and debris from adjoining hill slopes.

A ground visit found mud and rocks continuously falling from the hillside, while portions of the highway have already sustained damage during the ongoing monsoon, underlining the urgent need for intervention.

Phesama Village Council Chairman Tuolie Seleyi expressed serious concern over the safety of daily commuters, particularly students travelling to educational institutions along the route. He urged the public to use alternative routes wherever possible until conditions improve.

Appealing to the Nagaland Government and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Seleyi called for immediate and permanent engineering measures to stabilise the vulnerable slopes and prevent recurring landslides. He also suggested deploying traffic police at the sinking zone to regulate vehicle movement and minimise traffic congestion, which often leaves motorists exposed to falling debris.

Seleyi recalled that last year’s landslides caused prolonged disruption after delays in road clearance, creating severe hardship for commuters and students travelling to institutions such as Japfü Christian College, St. Joseph University, St. Paul Higher Secondary School and several other schools and colleges. He noted that the temporary alternative route developed by the Government had helped maintain connectivity for light vehicles but stressed that a permanent solution remains essential.

Meanwhile, a fresh landslide was reported near Kisama along NH-2 on Monday following continuous rainfall. Although traffic has not been disrupted, authorities have advised motorists to remain cautious as persistent rain continues to increase the risk of further landslides, falling rocks and mudslides.

The District Administration has advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel during heavy rainfall, refrain from travelling at night, exercise maximum caution while crossing vulnerable stretches, and strictly follow the directions of officials deployed at the site.

With the monsoon still active, residents and daily commuters are hoping for swift action to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of one of Nagaland’s most important highway corridors.

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