CM Rio inspects landslide damage on NH-29

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visited landslide-affected areas along the National Highway-29 on Thursday, a day after devastating landslides crippled the crucial Kohima-Dimapur four-lane road, besides lost of lives and damage to property.

During his visit, Rio assured that the government is trying its best to address the discrepancies in the work executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Speaking to media persons, the CM said that a meeting was convened with the NHDICL on Sep. 4 during which the government pointed out all the ‘mistakes’ made by the implementing agency.

The NHIDCL has also given its assurance to word expeditiously. “We will try to open the road to traffic as soon as possible”, he said.

He went on to say that the government is very serious and has even filed an FIR against the NHIDCL. The matter was brought up during his meeting with the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways. Nitin Gadkari and the latter informed that the case was filed because the NHIDCL “has not done a good job,” he added.

Rio further stated that the centre is aware of the gravity of the situation and said that he would write to the Ministry as well as the Prime Minister’s Office.

 “I will be writing a personal letter for them to provide state funding to blacktop the road from Piphema to Highway 61, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic,” he said.

He also informed that the NHIDCL Managing Director will be arriving on Sep. 8 and a meeting will be convened.

DC Peren issues travel advisory

In pursuance to the travel advisory of the Home Department, Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru has issued an advisory for the movement of essential commodities and commuters travelling along the Pimla Junction-Mhainamtsi-Jharnapani road.

As per the advisory, from 6am to 5pm, only light vehicles are permitted to and fro along the Pimla-Mhainamtsi road; from 5pm to 12am, traffic is permitted for heavy vehicles coming up from Pimla-Mhainamtsi to Jharnapani, and from 12am to 6am, traffic is allowed for heavy vehicles going down to from Jharnapani-Mhainamtsi to Pimla.

The DC also requested all the travellers to co-operate and follow the route timing to ensure smooth and uninterrupted vehicular movement.

Also read: Nagaland Chief Minister visits landslide-affected sites, takes stock of situation