DIMAPUR: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Longleng, along with line departments and civil society organisations (CSOs), held a joint meeting with the Executive Director (ED) and officials of NHIDCL and executing companies on August 4 at the DPDB hall, Longleng.
According to DIPR report, chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner and chairman DDMA Longleng, W. Manpai Phom, welcomed the NHIDCL officials, DDMA members and CSO representatives. He said the district was facing a “massive disaster” after natural calamities cut off road connectivity, affecting villages, farmlands, forests and houses. He stressed that the damage was far beyond the usual monsoon disruptions, with several villages-particularly in the Yongyah EAC circle and Namsang area- completely cut off.
DC lauded the collective efforts of DDMA, the Phom People’s Council, Phom Students’ Conference, student bodies, departments and NGOs in responding to the crisis. He informed that the administration has recommended to the state government that Longleng be declared and notified as an L3 Disaster Affected Area. A detailed ground assessment report was also presented.
On behalf of the Phom community, president Phom People’s Council, Y. B. Angam Phom, submitted an urgent representation highlighting sub standard construction, ecological devastation and severe public hardship along the Longleng Changtongya and Merangkong Tamlu stretches of NH 702. The demands included immediate site inspection, relief and compensation for Alayung village, structural protection of the Dikhu Bridge abutment wall, emergency reconstruction from Yongmon to Longleng, realignment of the Longleng town bypass under SARDP Phase A, quality control, drainage works, environmental remediation and round the clock maintenance.
Responding, Executive Director NHIDCL, R. P. Singh, said the agency was making all possible efforts to restore connectivity in Longleng and ensure safe travel to Assam and neighbouring states. He noted that permanent restoration could not be taken up in August due to prevailing weather conditions but assured that permanent work would begin from September. Temporary measures such as clearing slides, installing Bailey bridges and keeping at least one lane open for emergency movement were being prioritised.
In conclusion, the DC stressed the need for urgent and quality restoration, strict monitoring of highway works, and accountability of contractors. He assured that the district administration and civil society would extend all necessary support to expedite early restoration.
