Kohima reviews road safety, landslide risks, essential supplies ahead of monsoon

May 7, 2026 4 Views No Comment

Kohima, May 7 (MExN): Road conditions along vulnerable highway stretches, traffic congestion caused by stranded heavy vehicles, blocked drainage systems, and the lack of buffer stock of essential supplies emerged as key concerns during a monsoon preparedness meeting of Kohima district held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Chamber on May 6.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem brought together district officials, law enforcement agencies, line departments, contractors, and technical representatives to assess preparedness measures ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Krodi Rhetsoalong with officials from the PWD, NHIDCL, DDMA, Health & Family Welfare, Food & Civil Supplies, Police, and the District Administration, among others, attended the meeting.

As per the State DIPR, the deliberations focused on the status of ongoing road maintenance and construction works, particularly along critical stretches such as Kezanu and Liezocha, identified as highly vulnerable to landslides and traffic disruptions.

The condition of alternative routes was also reviewed to ensure connectivity in the event of highway blockages.

Highlighting the district’s recurring vulnerability to seasonal disasters, the Deputy Commissioner noted that Kohima faces fire incidents during winter and hazards such as landslides, road blockages, and infrastructure damage during the monsoon.

He stressed the need for a non-blame approach, urging departments to focus on individual and collective responsibilities while drawing lessons from past experiences.

Police officials raised concerns over frequent vehicle breakdowns, potholes, sinking road sections, and steep gradients along certain highway stretches, particularly between Liezocha and Kezanu, noting that stranded heavy vehicles often result in severe traffic congestion and safety risks.

In response, the meeting directed that critical road stretches be repaired within a week, with continuous maintenance through stone filling and metalling. Deployment of excavators and towing vehicles on a full-time basis was also emphasised, along with the designation of nodal officers for better coordination during emergencies.

Traffic regulation also featured prominently, with reports of heavy vehicles entering the town before designated timings and unauthorised parking near entry points. Authorities discussed stricter enforcement, extension of no-entry timings for heavy vehicles, and shifting holding zones closer to the Jotsoma bypass to ease congestion.

The meeting also reviewed landslide-prone areas along the National Highway and stressed pre-positioning of machinery, debris clearance, and slope stabilisation measures ahead of the monsoon. Discussions were also held on important roads in the western, northern, and southern parts of Kohima district.

Urban infrastructure challenges, particularly blocked drainage systems caused by waste dumping and pipeline obstructions, were highlighted as critical concerns. Immediate clearance of drains, including those near the Kohima War Cemetery, was directed, even if it required temporary disruption of pipelines, with restoration to follow.

Officials from the Disaster Management Authority informed that the Incident Response System (IRS) is in place, supported by Quick Response Teams and trained community volunteers. Automatic Weather Stations installed at multiple locations are operational, with coordination being maintained through control rooms and the State Emergency Operations Centre. The Deputy Commissioner urged activation of the IRS whenever required.

Concerns were also raised over the lack of buffer stock of essential supplies such as food and medicines during emergencies. Departments were advised to develop mechanisms for maintaining adequate reserves and to coordinate with agencies such as the Food Corporation of India to ensure timely supplies during crises.