Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of the landslide-affected section of National Highway-2 near Phesama, just outside the state capital Kohima. The visit comes amid continued disruption of traffic and concerns over the safety of this key highway, which is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Expressing serious concern over the recurring nature of landslides in the region, CM Rio called for sustainable, long-term structural solutions instead of temporary patchworks. “This is not a new issue—it has existed since our childhood. Village roads are not meant to carry highway traffic. If we continue with quick fixes, we will only see more collapses,” Rio said, highlighting the urgent need to adopt modern engineering interventions suited to Nagaland’s fragile and hilly terrain.
Accompanied by officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), district administration, and engineers, the Chief Minister reviewed the affected 37-metre stretch of NH-2, which has become unstable due to persistent rainfall and waterlogging. NHIDCL Executive Director R.P. Singh informed the Chief Minister that temporary restoration of the damaged portion is expected by August 18, weather permitting.
However, CM Rio made it clear that temporary repairs should not become a norm. “No more quick fixes,” he asserted, recommending the use of reinforced concrete structures, iron rods, and piling methods. He also proposed the construction of a flyover or concrete bridge in high-risk areas to allow the free flow of debris without compromising the main carriageway.
“The terrain and weather patterns in our state demand durable infrastructure. It is not just about connectivity—it is about the safety of commuters and long-term economic stability,” Rio said. He also urged better coordination among NHIDCL, local authorities, and the district administration to avoid emergency repairs during peak monsoon months like August and September, when the risk of landslips is highest.
Rio stressed that NH-2 holds strategic importance, especially since it connects Kohima to the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, home to the internationally acclaimed Hornbill Festival. Any disruption along this route can severely impact tourism, trade, and logistics.
He further emphasized proper planning for debris disposal, warning against the haphazard dumping of landslide waste, which could damage surrounding infrastructure or trigger secondary slides. “Unregulated dumping of debris can be as dangerous as the landslides themselves,” he said.
