Kohima: Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang revealed on Tuesday that experts suggested that stone quarrying activities may be a possible trigger for the massive landslide that has severely disrupted traffic on National Highway 29 near Dzüdza.
Through a statement, Zeliang addressed the issue, emphasising that since the landslide occurred, the State Government has been in close contact with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the agency responsible for the highway.
He highlighted that various state departments, including the Administration and National Highway Department, have been actively supporting efforts to expedite the clearance of the debris and reopen the highway.
To better understand the causes of the landslide and find a long-term solution, he informed that a team from the District Administration, Geology & Mining Department, and Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD) visited the site on August 20.
“Landslide of such magnitude needs to be understood from geological perspective as well so that we can find solution to stop the mud slide from top of the hill and accelerate the clearance work below,” he said.
Sensing that the work progress is slow, Zeliang said that the NHIDCL along with the contractor was called and a meeting was held in the Conference room of Chief Secretary on August 26 under the Chairmanship of the Development Commissioner.
“In the meeting it was found that there has been some misunderstanding between the EPC Contractor and NHIDCL with regards to the scope of work thus negatively impacting the work progress,” he revealed.
During the meeting, the department of Geology and Mining also opined that water has to be drained from the top using a muck pump and diverted to the river so as to minimize and stop the water from further carrying the mud down to the highway.
“They also observed that the stone quarry above the area could be triggering the landslide. NHIDCL has been asked to take note of the observation and promptly work on it to solve the problem,” he said.
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Expressing serious concern over the delay, he reiterated that the State Government, through the Works & Housing Department, has issued a directive to NHIDCL’s Executive Director in Kohima, demanding that the highway be cleared and reopened for traffic within 72 hours.
As reported earlier, the directive warned that if NHIDCL fails to meet this deadline, the State Government will deploy its own machinery and manpower to clear the highway, with the expenses billed to NHIDCL.
Zeliang assured the public that the State Government is committed to prioritising safety and convenience and will take all necessary measures to ensure the highway is reopened as quickly as possible.
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