Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma chairs the DDMA emergency meeting in Mokokchung on Tuesday to review flood relief in Tuli and road and other disruptions across the district. (Photo Caption)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | July 21
Mokokchung district is relying on NH-702D for the movement of essential supplies after a massive crack and road subsidence rendered a stretch of NH-2 non-motorable. Officials also reported 30 landslides between Mokokchung and Tuli.
The disruption has raised concerns over supplies reaching the district and connectivity to flood-hit Tuli subdivision, which was cut off after heavy rain triggered widespread flooding and landslides from July 19.
The updates emerged at an emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Tuesday, convened to coordinate post-flood rehabilitation in Tuli and address road disruptions across the district.
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma said floodwaters in Tuli had receded and families affected by the flooding had been evacuated to safety by the local administration, police and local residents. Most displaced families are presently staying with relatives, he said.
Relief materials have been distributed to affected families, while assessment of damaged houses and planning for additional assistance, including utensils and other essential items, are under way.
Verma said departments had been directed to prepare action plans to restore normalcy, with focus on power supply, safe drinking water, medical services, mobile connectivity and essential commodities.
Executive Engineer, PWD (NH), Mokokchung Division, informed the meeting that minor landslides had occurred along the Yisemyong–Chuchuyimlang and Unger–Merangkong stretches. Two major landslides were reported at Merangkong and three more between Tzudikong and Tuli.
The Mokokchung–Longtho stretch of NH-702D has been cleared, while the Doyang–Mokokchung road has also reopened, the official said. However, the Unger–Chuchuyimlang stretch of NH-2 has developed a massive crack and suffered road subsidence, making the existing alignment unviable for traffic.
The DC said restoration of NH-2 remains a priority. Until then, he directed the department to maintain NH-702D, which is presently the district’s only lifeline road.
PWD (R&B) officials said the A-T Road is currently the only alternate route to Tuli subdivision. Five roads have been cleared so far, but the NH-2–Salulamang stretch remains completely cut off. Restoring even a single lane would take at least four to five days, they said.
Food and Civil Supplies officials reported adequate stocks of rice, petroleum products and LPG. The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry said traders would continue bringing essential commodities through NH-702D without an immediate price increase, despite the poor condition of the route.
The district administration appealed to transporters not to overload trucks, citing the fragile condition of NH-702D. Blue Hill Travels said it would continue its Mokokchung–Guwahati service despite longer travel time, while Network Travels expressed concern over operating under the present conditions.
Representatives of civil society organisations also attended the meeting. Ao Senden urged departments to ensure the judicious use of emergency relief funds.
