DIMAPUR: A monsoon preparedness meeting of Kohima district was convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber on May 6, bringing together district officials, law enforcement agencies, line departments, contractors, and technical representatives to review measures ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
According to DPRO Kohima, the meeting chaired by DC B. Henok Buchem was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Kohima Krodi Rhetso, along with officials from PWD, NHIDCL, DDMA, Health & Family Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies, Police, and District Administration.
Deliberations focused on ongoing road maintenance and construction works, particularly along vulnerable stretches such as Kezanu and Liezocha, identified as prone to landslides and traffic disruptions. Alternative routes were also reviewed to ensure connectivity in case of highway blockages.
Highlighting Kohima’s recurring vulnerability to seasonal disasters, the DC noted that the district faces fire incidents during winter and multiple hazards such as landslides, road blockages, and infrastructure damage during monsoon. He urged departments to adopt a non-blame approach and focus on collective responsibility while learning from past experiences.
Concerns were raised over frequent vehicle breakdowns, poor road conditions, potholes, sinking zones, and steep gradients, particularly between Liezocha and Kezanu. Police officials pointed out that stranded heavy vehicles often cause severe traffic congestion and safety risks. The meeting directed that critical stretches be repaired within a week, with continuous maintenance through stone filling and metalling, deployment of excavators and towing vehicles on a full-time basis, and designation of nodal officers for better coordination.
Traffic regulation also emerged as a key issue, with reports of heavy vehicles entering town before designated time and unauthorized parking near entry points. Authorities discussed stricter enforcement, extension of no-entry timings, and shifting of holding zones closer to Jotsoma bypass to ease congestion.
The meeting reviewed landslide-prone areas along the National Highway, stressing the need for pre-positioning machinery, clearing debris, and strengthening vulnerable slopes. Urban infrastructure challenges, particularly blocked drainage systems caused by waste dumping and pipeline obstructions, were highlighted, with immediate clearance of drains directed, including those near the War Cemetery.
On preparedness, officials from DDMA informed that the Incident Response System (IRS) was in place, supported by Quick Response Teams and trained community volunteers.
Automatic Weather Stations installed at multiple locations were operational, with coordination maintained through control rooms and the State Emergency Operations Centre. Departments were further advised to maintain buffer stocks of essential supplies such as food and medicines, and to coordinate with agencies like the FCI to ensure timely supply during emergencies.
