NHIDCL assures to restore NH-2 Phesama stretch

DIMAPUR, SEP 28 (NPN): National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has assured that the landslide-hit stretch of NH-2 at Phesama under Kohima district would be made motorable by the first week of November, deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, B Henok Buchem, said on Monday.
According to a DIPR report, the assurance was made during a joint inspection of the restoration work along Kohima-Mao section of NH-2, conducted to assess progress on the recurring landslide.
Officials from the district administration, police, PWD (NH), NHIDCL, the District Disaster Management Authority, the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO), Phesama village council and local youth took part in the inspection.
Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, said the landslide had occurred repeatedly in the area and that persistent rainfall had delayed restoration efforts.
He acknowledged the cooperation of the Southern Angami people, particularly the Phesama village council and youth, in managing traffic during the disruption. He also thanked residents of Kezocha area for bearing the increased movement of heavy vehicles, including those travelling to Manipur, despite the road’s poor condition.
Sophie noted that disruption had affected residents, schoolchildren and the transportation of essential commodities. Farmers whose paddy fields had been damaged would be considered for assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund, he added.
Describing NH-2 as a vital highway linking Nagaland with the Southeast Asian region, he urged the authorities to expedite the restoration work in the public interest.
DC Kohima Buchem also appreciated the cooperation and resilience shown by the people of Southern Angami, especially Phesama village council and youth, in assisting with traffic regulation.
He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Kezocha area due to the rise in heavy vehicular traffic towards Manipur.
While no families had been reported as directly affected by the landslide, agricultural fields, particularly paddy fields, had been impacted, Buchem said. He said necessary assistance would be considered under the State Disaster Response Fund.