A significant mudslide struck the Kohima–Mao bypass on Saturday afternoon, causing severe disruption to vehicular movement along one of the most crucial alternative routes connecting Nagaland’s capital to the northern districts and the neighboring state of Manipur. The incident occurred between 3:00 and 3:30 PM in the Kisama–Phesama area, just below the Rhododendron Resort, following several days of relentless rainfall.
Massive Mudslide Hits Kohima–Mao Bypass
The landslide, triggered by the saturation of soil due to the incessant downpour, led to the collapse of a large section of the hillside onto the road. Several vehicles caught in the slide suffered varying degrees of damage. However, authorities confirmed that there were no casualties reported at the time of filing this report.
Road Rendered Impassable, Emergency Measures Initiated
The mudslide rendered the affected section of the bypass completely impassable, forcing immediate suspension of all traffic movement. Emergency services and the district administration swiftly responded, conducting on-site inspections and initiating preliminary damage assessment and debris clearance operations.
Heavy machinery was mobilized to the site on Saturday evening, but adverse weather conditions and the instability of the slope continued to pose challenges to the restoration efforts. District authorities also urged commuters and transport operators to steer clear of the affected route to avoid further risk.
In a formal statement released later in the day, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima confirmed that the road would remain fully closed for a 24-hour period on Monday, July 21, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, to facilitate urgent restoration and stabilization work on the damaged stretch.
Emergency Advisory Issued for Commuters
The Deputy Commissioner’s Office has issued a public advisory urging commuters to avoid the Kohima–Mao bypass until further notice and to adhere strictly to traffic diversions. While the route is commonly used to bypass central Kohima and ease congestion, the landslide has made the bypass unsafe for all but emergency services.
In its advisory, the administration clarified that only medical emergency vehicles and school or college transport would be permitted to ply through the partially restored stretch of National Highway-2 (NH-2). All other light motor vehicles are being diverted through alternative routes, namely:
- Kigwema–Kezo Town–Kohima
- Chakhabama–Kohima
Motorists have been asked to plan their travel accordingly, especially those commuting between Kohima and Senapati or Imphal in Manipur, or those using the route for inter-district travel within Nagaland.
Residents Share Alarming Experiences
Several eyewitnesses described the moment of the mudslide as sudden and terrifying. A driver, who narrowly escaped with minor damage to his vehicle, said, “It happened so quickly. One moment the road was clear, and the next it was covered in earth, rocks, and debris. We were lucky there were no fatalities.”
Local residents from nearby Kisama and Phesama villages reported loud rumbling sounds moments before the earth gave way. Many believe that such incidents have become more frequent due to a combination of unchecked construction, deforestation, and the region’s vulnerability to heavy monsoon rains.
Recurring Challenge for Hilly Regions
Landslides are a recurring threat across Nagaland, particularly during the monsoon season. The Kohima–Mao bypass, while designed to decongest the capital and improve interstate connectivity, is also one of the stretches most prone to landslips due to its terrain and fragile slopes.
Environmental experts have warned that increasing rainfall intensity—possibly linked to climate change—is worsening slope instability in the northeastern states. Combined with poor drainage systems and limited hill-slope engineering, these factors contribute to the frequent disruption of key roads.
According to officials from the Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges), geotechnical surveys are being conducted to assess the extent of structural damage to the road and surrounding embankments. Once assessed, the department will implement short-term slope stabilization, followed by long-term mitigation measures.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The Kohima–Mao bypass is not just a convenience route—it is strategically important for movement between Nagaland and Manipur. It is frequently used by transporters, goods carriers, and passenger vehicles as an alternate corridor to National Highway-2. The disruption of this road not only affects interstate travel, but also impacts local economies dependent on uninterrupted movement of goods and services.
Transport unions have expressed concern over the increasing number of landslide-induced roadblocks, stating that such incidents cause heavy financial losses to small traders and daily wage workers. They have called for comprehensive infrastructure audits and pre-monsoon safety checks along all vulnerable stretches.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
In a press briefing, the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima stated, “We understand the inconvenience this sudden road closure may cause, but we request the public to bear with us. Safety is our highest priority, and we are deploying all available resources to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.”
The administration also urged the public not to attempt unauthorized access to the affected section or hinder the ongoing restoration work. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to monitor traffic and ensure compliance with the issued directives.
Restoration Timeline and Monitoring
While the initial clearance is expected to be completed by Monday evening, full restoration of the bypass may take several more days, depending on weather conditions and soil stability. Authorities have assured that regular updates will be provided to the public through official channels and local media.
A joint task force comprising personnel from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the PWD, and local village councils has been formed to monitor the site and oversee the restoration process.
Conclusion
The recent mudslide along the Kohima–Mao bypass serves as a stark reminder of the fragile ecological balance in the Northeast’s hilly regions. As the monsoon intensifies, ensuring safe and resilient infrastructure must be prioritized. In the meantime, authorities continue to work around the clock to reopen the bypass and restore crucial connectivity.
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