Kohima: Longleng is pushing for a formal L3 disaster designation. The District Disaster Management Authority reached this decision after unprecedented natural calamities destroyed forests, houses, and farmlands. The devastation has left multiple villages completely cut off from the outside world.
Deputy Commissioner W. Manpai Phom chaired an emergency meeting on August 4 at the DPDB hall. He hosted officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, various line departments, and local civil society groups. The situation is dire. "Based on ground assessments, the damage goes far beyond roadways. It is a massive disaster affecting forests, farmlands, fields and houses," Phom stated.
Road connectivity remains the primary hurdle. Several villages in the Yongyah EAC circle are inaccessible. The Namsang area is also cut off due to severe damage along the Merangkong-Tamlu stretch. NHIDCL Executive Director R.P. Singh said current weather makes permanent repairs impossible. The agency is prioritizing temporary fixes like clearing slides and installing Bailey bridges to keep one lane open for emergencies. He added that the company will start permanent work in September.
The Phom People’s Council submitted a formal list of grievances regarding NH-702. They cited unengineered, sub-standard construction and ecological ruin. Their demands include immediate site inspections, compensation for Alayung village, and structural protection for the Dikhu Bridge abutment wall. They also requested the realignment of the Longleng town bypass under SARDP Phase A, alongside emergency drainage and round-the-clock maintenance.
Local leadership is now demanding stricter oversight. Officials raised concerns that shifting contractual responsibilities have eroded accountability. Phom warned that restoration efforts must be taken with the utmost seriousness. The administration has promised to support all efforts to speed up the recovery process.
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