The Konyak Union (KU) has appealed to the Nagaland government for immediate intervention to restore road connectivity in Mon district, where incessant rainfall since July 19 has triggered widespread landslides, mudslides and flash floods.
In a letter addressed to the Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, Government of Nagaland, through the Deputy Commissioner, Mon, the apex Konyak body said the disaster has caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, disrupting connectivity to several locations and leaving many villages inaccessible.
The Union said the prolonged disruption has severely affected the movement of essential commodities, access to medical services, emergency response operations and the daily lives of residents.
Highlighting ongoing efforts by civil society organisations, the Konyak Union stated that local groups have been working continuously to restore damaged roads. The CSOs have mobilised 11 JCB excavators, one Poclain excavator and 10 dumpers, besides deploying volunteers to assist the district administration.
However, it said repeated landslides caused by continuous rainfall have hampered restoration works, with reopened stretches being damaged again.
“In view of the gravity of the situation, we earnestly appeal to all the concerned agencies/offices to urgently deploy additional heavy machinery, technical manpower and all necessary resources to Mon District for the immediate restoration of the affected roads,” the KU stated.
It further requested that damaged road stretches be accorded the highest priority to restore normal connectivity at the earliest and ensure the safety, welfare and livelihood of the people.
The KU also urged relevant departments and agencies, including the nine Konyak legislators, the Chief Secretary, the Engineer-in-Chief of PWD (Roads & Bridges), the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the 100 RCC of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to take necessary action.
“The people of Mon District continue to face immense hardship due to the ongoing monsoon. Your timely intervention and support will greatly alleviate the suffering and help prevent further risks arising from the continuing adverse weather conditions,” the KU stated.
