Villagers Build Temporary Fix After Lein Bridge Collapse

Kohima: Villagers from Lengnyu and Tsuwao built a temporary wooden bridge over the Lein River, restoring a critical route on the Noklak to Panso road. Heavy rains caused the previous bridge to collapse on July 19. It cut off a major lifeline for the region. The new structure measures 57 feet long and 10 feet wide.

Construction wrapped up on September 12. The project involved the Noklak District Disaster Management Authority, the Roads and Bridges Department, and local village councils. Noklak Deputy Commissioner P. Mono Khiamniungan issued a travel advisory on September 14. The bridge is open, but only for light vehicles.

Drivers must watch their speed. Overloading is strictly prohibited. The Deputy Commissioner urged the public to follow these safety measures to reduce disaster risks. Still, the community knows this is just a stopgap. Locals reported that the bridge collapse caused severe supply shortages, even making basics like salt hard to find.

Sangkhoi, the Lengnyu Village Council Chairman, thanked the departments for their help. However, he warned that this remains a short-term fix. VDB Secretary of Tsuwao village, Langshe, echoed those concerns. He noted, “The temporary bridge we are constructing now may serve us for only two to three years, but our people need a permanent solution.” The District Disaster Management Authority has already submitted a proposal for a permanent RCC bridge.