Kohima district administration reviewed monsoon preparedness, flagging vulnerable road stretches and directing time-bound repairs to prevent disruptions.
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DIMAPUR — With the monsoon season approaching, the Kohima district administration on Wednesday reviewed preparedness measures, flagging vulnerable road stretches and directing time-bound repairs to prevent disruptions.
According to a DIPR update, a monsoon preparedness meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem, was held at the DC’s chamber in Kohima, attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Krodi Rhetso and officials from line departments including PWD, NHIDCL, DDMA, Health and Family Welfare, Food and Civil Supplies, Police and the district administration.
Deliberations focused on the status of ongoing road maintenance and construction works, particularly along critical stretches such as Kezanu and Liezocha, identified as highly prone to landslides and traffic disruptions.
The condition of alternative routes was also reviewed to ensure connectivity in the event of highway blockages.
Highlighting Kohima’s recurring vulnerability to seasonal hazards, the deputy commissioner stated that while winter sees frequent fire incidents, the monsoon brings landslides, road blockages and infrastructure damage.
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He called for a coordinated, “non-blame” approach, urging departments to focus on preparedness and accountability.
The officials raised concerns over poor road conditions, including potholes, sinking zones and steep gradients, especially along the Liezocha–Kezanu stretch.
Police pointed out that stranded heavy vehicles often trigger severe traffic congestion and pose safety risks.
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 stressed, along with the designation of nodal officers for improved coordination during emergencies.
Traffic regulation also came under scrutiny, with reports of heavy vehicles entering Kohima before designated hours and unauthorised parking near entry points.
The officials also discussed stricter enforcement, extension of no-entry timings and shifting of holding zones closer to the Jotsoma bypass to ease congestion.
The meeting further reviewed landslide-prone areas along the National Highway, stressing pre-positioning of machinery, timely debris clearance and strengthening of vulnerable slopes across the western, northern and southern parts of the district.
Urban infrastructure concerns, particularly clogged drainage systems due to waste dumping and pipeline obstructions, were highlighted.
Immediate clearance of drains, including those near the War Cemetery, was directed, even if it required temporary disruption of pipelines, with restoration to follow.
On disaster preparedness, officials informed that the Incident Response System (IRS) is in place, supported by Quick Response Teams and trained community volunteers. Automatic Weather Stations are operational at multiple locations, with coordination maintained through control rooms and the State Emergency Operations Centre.
The deputy commissioner directed that the IRS be activated as required.
The meeting also flagged the lack of buffer stock for essential supplies such as food and medicines during emergencies.
Departments were advised to develop mechanisms to maintain adequate reserves and coordinate with agencies like the Food Corporation of India to ensure timely supply during crises.