Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 10 (NPN): A rockfall that occurred on the NH 29 along the Chathe-Tsiedukhru(Paglapahar) stretch Thursday served as another reminder about the ever-present potential danger posed on travellers.
A huge boulder hurtling from the roadside cliff hit the black Bolero with three travellers at around 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Traffic police said no injuries were reported.
Traffic movement was regulated following the incident, with one side of the highway open for vehicles.
NHIDCL authority engineer Sahu George and officials, along with Dimapur DCP (traffic) Meren Chenth, inspected the site.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, George said the geological formation in the area was relatively young and comprised multiple layers, including weak shale between sandstone formations.
He explained that water seeping from the sandstone into joints could contribute to rockfalls following rainfall and subsequent drying.
Asked whether further rockfalls were possible under the prevailing weather conditions, George said there was a risk at vulnerable locations, including the affected site.
“There is some chance. People have to be very cautious,” he said, adding that NHIDCL was taking immediate measures to reduce the risk.
George said the affected portion had been closed and the agency planned to create a physical barrier to prevent falling rocks from reaching the roadway.
Regarding a permanent solution, he said a detailed project report (DPR) covering the entire stretch was in its final stage and would address vulnerable locations. The DPR had previously been submitted and was currently under scrutiny by separate third-party agencies, he said.
George added that the matter had also been discussed with the district administration and state government.
Meanwhile, DCP (Traffic) Meren Chenth directed NHIDCL officials to take necessary safety and precautionary measures to protect road users. He also informed the NHIDCL officials to take appropriate measures and assured that traffic movement would be regulated.