Chumoukedima, Nagaland, September 5 (HBTV): Following the devastating landslides at multiple locations along National Highway-29 between Kohima and Dimapur, the government of Nagaland convened a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with the deputy chief minister and minister in charge of National Highway along with state officials and agencies on September 4.   

The meeting reviewed the situation in the wake of the landslides and damages caused on NH-29 and to discuss restoration and relief measures.   

Six people were killed when a massive landslide hit a portion of the highway on September 3 near Pherima village in Kohima.

During the meeting, the government discussed the issues and major decisions were taken including directing the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to make NH-29 operational within 24 hours. This is to ensure that supply of essential commodities such as fuel, and food items are not affected.   

The government also decided to find an alternative route for heavy vehicles carrying essential goods as well as for light vehicles, updates said.    

The Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges) will maintain all alternative routes as well as the route from Peducha to Tsiesema road for both light and heavy vehicles to ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity between Dimapur and Kohima.    

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority was also directed to release ex-gratia payment to the families of the deceased and injured immediately through respective district agencies.   

The implementing agency NHIDCL was directed to take rectification measures including ‘deployment of latest technology’ to ensure that such events do not occur in future. This is to ensure that the highway between Dimapur and Kohima, which is a lifeline for both Nagaland and Manipur, is maintained throughout the year.