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Landslides are not uncommon in hill stations especially during the rainy season. According to Geological Survey of India, the nodal agency for landslide studies, about 0.42 million sq. km or 12.6% of land area, excluding snow covered area, in the country is prone to landslide hazard, and out of this total area, 0.18 million sq. km falls in North East Himalaya. It may be noted that this landslide-prone area is prone to earthquakes. No wonder northeastern states, including Nagaland frequently witness mudslides and landslides. While most landslides are caused by disturbances in the stability of a slope, usually triggered by heavy rains, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, incidents of man-made disasters have increased over the years due to negligence while carrying out infrastructure developmental activities. Last week’s rockslide at Chümoukedima that killed two people and injured three others between the Chathe and Khoukhi bridges along the National Highway 29 appears to be one such case. At least the steep road cuttings and protruding rocks along the stretch say so. The Executive Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had termed the incident as a natural calamity after inspecting the area but most people familiar with the area will not agree with him. Last week’s incident was not the first; it’s happened in the past, a few days after the July 4 tragedy, and will happen again if preventive measures are not put in place. So, it was unfortunate that the nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways shrugged it off as a natural calamity even before carrying out a proper investigation.
The government of Nagaland on its part warned the nodal agency on concerns about road safety. The Nagaland Pollution Control Board had on two occasions directed the NHIDCL to refrain from using dynamites for blasting the rocks along the National Highway – 29 at Chümoukedima, citing possible destruction of environment and injury to travellers, while the DC of Chümoukedima requested it to review and verify the quality of work. Prompt action from the concerned contractors could have avoided loss of lives and property. Instead of passing the buck, the implementing agencies should take responsibility and ensure road safety by taking up corrective measures. It should survey the entire stretch of road between Dimapur and Kohima, identify hazardous sites and take preventive steps to ensure that no tragic accidents take place in the future. In fact, the authorities should ensure that all roads in the state are safe, not just the Dimapur-Kohima road. This should be done on priority basis for the safety of commuters. The public, on its part, should co-operate by taking the alternate route arranged by the authorities till certain stretch along the four-lane road is declared safe. By taking the road when police personnel aren’t around, especially during the night time, people are not only risking their lives but also disregarding the orders of the authorities. Road safety can’t be compromised.