Kohima, August 11 (MExN): In a bid to ensure public safety and prevent accidents along a vulnerable stretch of National Highway-2, the District Magistrate of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, on Tuesday issued a set of regulations for traffic movement and restoration work at the Phesama Sinking Zone.
The restrictions come in the wake of intermittent debris fall from adjoining hill slopes and continuous road subsidence between chainage Km 191+840 and Km 192+100 on the Kohima-Mao section, which has severely compromised road safety and disrupted normal traffic flow.
As per the directive, all heavy commercial vehicles bound for Manipur or the Jakhama sub-division will be restricted at Peducha under the Sechu Zubza sub-division. Such vehicles will be released periodically, depending on the progress of restoration works and road conditions at the affected stretch. The Kohima Traffic Police have been directed to deploy personnel at Peducha and other strategic points to strictly enforce the regulations.
For Manipur-bound heavy vehicles, authorities have advised taking the alternate route via Peren District, in compliance with existing regulations imposed by the Peren District authorities. In case of emergencies, the Kohima-Jessami and Chakhabama-Zunheboto roads may be utilised as alternative corridors.
All Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) will continue to be diverted via the Phesama - Kisama / Kigwema route, passing through Rhododendron Resort, for both-way traffic. This alternative route is being actively maintained by the Executive Engineer (R&B) South Division.
Meanwhile, the NHIDCL, PMU-Jakhama has been directed to mobilise maximum machinery and manpower to carry out active restoration work at the sinking zone on a daily basis from 6:00 AM onwards, to ensure continuous debris clearance and road stabilisation.
Pedestrians have been strictly advised to avoid crossing along the affected landslide section for their own safety. All measures have been taken in the interest of public safety and to prevent further accidents, the order stated.
