High‑level review charts short‑ and long‑term measures for damaged Kohima road
KOHIMA: A high‑level meeting convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on September 10 reviewed road connectivity and restoration measures after the massive landslide of August 5, 2026, at Kewhitsütuo Model that affected the road stretch to IG Stadium, Meriema. The session was chaired by Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem (NCS) and attended by officials from the district administration, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Urban Development Department, Kohima Smart City Development Corporation Limited (KSCDL), DIPR and representatives of local khel and model councils.
The meeting addressed immediate relief for affected individuals, urgent restoration of the damaged carriageway, management of surface water runoff and planning for long‑term stabilisation of the slope above the road. The NSDMA, through the Deputy District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima, will provide assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
"will provide relief assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to individuals affected by the landslide."
Officials were informed that the road falls under the jurisdiction of KSCDL, which was instructed to prioritise repair works. KSCDL presented an estimated proposal of ₹1.20 crore for immediate restoration; the meeting endorsed the figure and directed the corporation to forward the proposal to the State Government promptly along with a comprehensive plan for permanent restoration.
- Immediate actions: KSCDL to undertake restoration work, tentatively scheduled to start in October 2026 and conclude before December 2026.
- Drainage and water management: Urban Development Department to maintain alternative routes and inspect urban ward and colony drains above the affected area to ensure safe discharge of surface water.
- Local approvals: T Khel Council and Kewhitsütuo Model Council agreed to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to facilitate restoration and slope stabilisation works.
- Damage assessment: A joint verification to determine the extent of damage and restoration requirements was scheduled for September 14 at 7:00 AM.
The DC also briefed attendees on ongoing efforts to clear choked drains across Kohima town, urging departments to complete the work swiftly and to give priority to the damaged road, which serves as a vital link for residents and services in that sector of the city.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | Landslide at Kewhitsütuo Model on 5 August 2026 |
| Road stretch affected | Kewhitsütuo Model to IG Stadium, Meriema |
| Restoration agency | Kohima Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (KSCDL) |
| Estimated immediate cost | ₹1.20 crore |
| Planned restoration window | October–December 2026 (tentative) |
Delegates noted that the restoration exercise must consider both temporary reinstatement of the carriageway to re‑establish connectivity and a permanent stabilisation plan to reduce the risk of recurrence. The meeting emphasised inter‑departmental coordination, including the Urban Development Department’s role in managing surface runoff from higher slopes and KSCDL’s responsibility for structural repair and slope works.
Representatives of the T Khel Council and Kewhitsütuo Model Council agreed to cooperate by providing necessary local clearances and facilitating access for engineers and contractors. The joint verification planned for September 14 will inform the final scope of works and help refine the cost estimate submitted by KSCDL.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner urged rapid completion of drain clearance across Kohima Town to mitigate waterlogging and reduce landslide risk in vulnerable stretches, and asked KSCDL to accord priority to the Kewhitsütuo‑IG Stadium road given its importance for local mobility and services.
