NH-702A cracks put Zunheboto homes at risk

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | August 17

A section of National Highway-702A at New Colony in Zunheboto has developed major cracks and visible signs of ground movement, putting the road and nearby houses at serious risk amid continued rainfall in the region.

A site visit to the affected area on Monday found the highway stretch in a highly landslide-prone condition, with cracks widening along the road and portions of the land below the highway continuing to give way. Although vehicles are still passing through the stretch, the damaged portion of the highway remains vulnerable to further settlement and possible collapse.

The situation has reportedly deteriorated sharply over the past two to three days. Land sliding below the road has already taken away a considerable portion of land and trees, while cracks have appeared in the compounds and structures located above the affected slope.

The worsening ground condition has also forced two families to dismantle their houses this morning after the structures became unsafe for habitation. One of the affected houses had reportedly developed cracks extending into rooms and kitchens, with the structure being secured with ropes as a temporary measure to prevent it from falling.

Two other houses in the vicinity are also reportedly at the verge of being affected, with cracks developing around the structures and in the surrounding compounds. Residents fear that continued ground movement could eventually lead to the collapse of the houses.

Speaking with visible distress, residents of the affected houses said they were not seeking financial assistance but urged the authorities to take immediate preventive measures to protect their homes and prevent further damage.

“We are not hoping for any financial assistance, but at least some measures should be taken at the earliest so that the house does not collapse. How will we dismantle these houses and where will we go?” a resident said.

According to the residents, the landslide is progressively eating away at the ground below their houses and has already caused severe cracks in the surrounding compound. The advancing ground movement is now reportedly approaching the main structures.

Residents also recalled that debris from the Alahuto landslide in previous years had been transported and deposited in the area, and expressed concern that the accumulated material may have contributed to the present instability. They said that while the area had witnessed smaller instances of damage in earlier years, the severity of the situation has increased significantly in the past few days.

The affected highway is an important route connecting Zunheboto with Lumami, Mokokchung and other areas. Any major failure of the road could disrupt the movement of vehicles, people and essential goods.

Residents have urged the District Administration and Zunheboto Town Council to immediately assess the situation and undertake necessary preventive and restoration measures before the road or adjoining houses suffer further damage.

They have also called for the alternative route towards the Assam Rifles Camp side to be properly maintained and repaired so that it can serve as a viable route in the event of disruption along NH-702A.