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A Dimapur Traffic policeman inspects a portion of NH-29 in Dimapur where heavy rains had washed away a culvert in the wee hours of June 22. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, June 22: Vehicles commuting to-and-from Dimapur town on Saturday afternoon were forced to take a detour after heavy rains washed away a culvert on NH-29 between Diphupar village gate and Central Jail junction at 4th Mile.
The collapse was caused by heavy rainfall in the early hours of June 22, according to an engineer from the Public Works Department (PWD). “We are constructing a culvert and because of the heavy rains, the drainage got blocked even though we cleared it. But all of a sudden it got flooded,” the official said.
He assured that contractors are repairing it and hume pipes will be placed for the time being. They will simultaneously repair the half-constructed culvert so that vehicles can ply, he added.
Vehicular movement was diverted from Diphupar village for those going towards Chumoukedima and via Green Park route for vehicles coming to Dimapur, a traffic official informed.
The Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol told Eastern Mirror that the administration is ready for any eventualities during the monsoons; and reasoned that it is all in nature’s hands, sometimes.
“Drains are being cleaned to prevent clogging but the volume of rain is too much which causes flooding in the small drainages,” maintained Zehol.
“The NSDMA and administration along with the relief team is ready, if any disaster should happen,” said Zehol.
Zehol further informed that the first initiative he took after taking charge in Dimapur was to clean the drainages. However due to its size, and high volume of accumulated water, the issue keeps arising, he stated.
The DC, who is also the chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, stated that some NGOs have provided pumping machines to remove excessive water and are ready to be used if needed.
The DC organised a meeting on June 18 with DDMA members to discuss and review the level of preparation for monsoon in Dimapur district and the proposed monsoon mock drill to be conducted soon in the district.