Ukhrul: A massive landslide on National Highway 202A, which connects Ukhrul town and Hungpung Kazipphung, has severely disrupted vehicular movement between Imphal and Ukhrul in Manipur.
The landslide occurred at Kazipphung around 9 am on Wednesday morning, followed by another severe landslide at the same site, sending down a portion of the hilltop and blocking the entire highway.
Local residents reported that the landslides have significantly impacted the area, forcing vehicles to be diverted to a local road connecting Ukhrul town. The landslides occurred along a stretch where locals engage in sandstone quarrying activities.
On Thursday, heavy machinery from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was deployed to clear the highway. The road clearance work is being supervised by the district administration and the Lower Hungpung People’s Organisation (LHPO).
When EastMojo’s correspondent visited the site, work was still in progress and is expected to continue until late at night, provided rain does not disrupt the efforts.
“The massive landslide at the National Highway has not only affected the locals but the entire people in the district. And today, we are clearing the highway at our level best with the help of NHIDCL and district administration. Vehicular movement along this stretch will be resume from tomorrow,” informed MK Themmayo, chairman, Lower Hungpung People’s Organisation (LHPO).
Locals also reported that at least two houses at the top of the affected road have been badly damaged and are at risk of collapsing if the rain continues.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
“At least two houses have been badly damaged from the landslide but if we don’t take proper precautions, 80 per cent of the homes located on top of the hill will be affected,” cautioned Themmayo.
During an emergency meeting with affected landowners, the Organisation resolved to completely ban sandstone quarrying work along the stretch of the highway. Many families in the area depend on sandstone quarrying to support their livelihoods, but such activities have compromised the road conditions.
Also Read | Naga MLAs to Centre: Settlement with Kukis should not touch Naga areas