Misgivings about the sincerity of State
Government and in particular National Highway Department of the
State, vis-à-vis the landslide near Dzudza.

Since the occurrence of the massive landslide, causing untold
suffering to all sections of the society, the State Government has been
in constant touch with the implementing agency the NHIDCL. The
State machineries, from Administration to National Highway
department have lent support in every way possible to assist in
expediting the work to open the highway for traffic.
 Landslide of such magnitude needs to be understood from
geological perspective as well so that we can find solution to stop the
mud slide from top of the hill and accelerate the clearance work
below. Therefore, a team from District Administration, Geology &
Mining Dept. and NPWD visited the site on 20 th August 2024. A
meeting along with the Contractor was also held on the same day
wherein a clear direction was given that clearing of debris should be
of highest priority and to engage all available machinery at the site.
 However, sensing that the work progress is slow, NHIDCL
along with the contractor was called and a meeting held in the
Conference room of Chief Secretary on 26 th August, under the
Chairmanship of the Development Commissioner. In the meeting it
was found that there has been some misunderstanding between the
EPC Contractor and NHIDCL with regards to the scope of work thus
negatively impacting the work progress.
The department of Geology and Mining also opined that
water has to be drained from the top using a muck pump and diverted
to the river so as to minimize and stop the water from further carrying

the mud down to the highway. They also observed that the stone
quarry above the area could be triggering the landslide. NHIDCL has
been asked to take note of the observation and promptly work on it to
solve the problem.
Taking serious cognizance of the lackadaisical attitude of
NHIDCL and also the Contractor in failing to clear and open National
Highway for traffic, the State Government through the Works &
Housing Department has written to the Executive Director (P) RO-
Kohima Nagaland, with a deadline of 72 hours to clear and open this
critical highway for regular traffic. In case of failure on the part of
NHIDCL to comply to this directive, the State Government will
employ required machinery and manpower to open the Highway and
the bills on expenditure incurred for the same will be submitted to
NHIDCL for payment.
This arrangement is necessitated as the public cannot be left
to suffer because of dereliction and negligence of the implementing
agency. The State Government, in all seriousness has always
prioritized the convenience and safety of public and is neither
complacent nor idle to plight of the people. While we understand that
natural calamities are not in our control, we should be sincere in our
effort to alleviate the pain of the people. The Hon’ble Deputy Chief
Minister, Minister Incharge of National Highway, assures that all
possible means will be explored relentlessly so that people of the
State and neighboring states in general is not inconvenient any further
due to this blocked highway.