Kohima: A landslide at the Phesama sinking zone along National Highway-2, the key road linking Nagaland and Manipur, has disrupted traffic, prompting authorities to step up safety measures and debris clearance operations.
The district administration has announced the temporary closure of a portion of National Highway-2 (Kohima–Mao section) at the Phesama sinking area on Sunday, August 2, to facilitate restoration work and ensure public safety.
According to an official notification, the affected stretch between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 will remain closed from 6 am to 6 pm due to active sliding of debris from adjoining hill slopes.
During the closure, traffic will be diverted through alternative routes.
All light motor vehicles (LMVs) will be diverted via the Phesama–Kisama/Kigwema road through Rhododendron Resort for two-way traffic.
Heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) travelling towards Manipur have been advised to use the route through Peren district. In case of emergencies, the Kohima–Jessami and Chakhabama–Zunheboto roads may be used, subject to load restrictions.
The district administration has appealed to the public to cooperate during the temporary closure to facilitate smooth restoration work and ensure the safety of commuters.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima B. Henok Buchem, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso, along with officials from the District Administration, PWD (R&B), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO), Phesama Village Council and other stakeholders, inspected the affected stretch on Thursday.
The inspection covered the Phesama sinking zone between Chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 on the Kohima-Mao section of NH-2.
Officials reviewed the road condition and discussed immediate measures to ensure the safety of commuters while maintaining traffic movement.
It was decided that earthmoving machinery would be stationed at the site for continuous debris clearance to keep traffic moving. Two lighting units and traffic warning signboards will also be installed at both ends of the sinking zone to monitor possible rockfalls and improve safety for motorists.
Buchem said debris clearance would continue on a regular basis, while a full-day clearance operation would be carried out on Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm.
He also advised commuters, particularly those travelling at night, to use the alternative route via Kisama.
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To ensure smooth traffic management, traffic police personnel will be deployed at the site to regulate vehicular movement.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed officials stationed at the affected stretch to remain in constant communication with the district administration and police, and to take timely decisions, including temporary road closures whenever necessary, in the interest of public safety.
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