Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 21, 2010:
Following the identification of Makhan area on the Imphal-Dimapur route as a 'complex nature' and the high possibility of landmass giving way being proved scientifically by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a proposal to re-align the highway has been forwarded.
Notably, a huge mass of earth on the highway measuring about 100 metres slid down the hill slope to the bottom cutting off NH-39 at Makhan following a drizzle for a couple of days last week.
Taking due note of the CRRI's observation that there can be mass movement of earth's layer at Makhan any time, the State PWD has sent a proposal to the Government of India for re-alignment of NH-39. The same proposal was also put forth before Union Home Secretary GK Pillai during his recent visit to the State, conveyed an official source.
The State PWD intends to re-align the highway for a length of about 20 Kms.
However, considering frequent and massive land- slides in Nagaland sector, the re-alignment may be done after studying a matching alignment between the two States.
A heavy landslide cut off NH-39 metres from top to bottom of the hill side at Makhan following medium rainfall last week.
Even as restoration work of the cut off portion is going on, the highway has been snapped as a cement laden truck has slipped in a culvert which is half-finished.
As such, empty trucks, LPG bullet carriers and oil tankers heading for Assam have been stranded.
Loa-ded oil tankers and other vehicles coming to Imphal have also been stranded on the opposite side.
Except for one oil tanker carrying diesel which arrived at Imphal yesterday, no other oil tankers could reach Imphal today.
Nevertheless, efforts are being made to tug away the slipped truck after unloading cement.
The length of 100 metres cut off by landslide was repaired only recently.
After finishing earth work, it was being prepared to lay shingles and stones, informed the source.
It is being estimated that 150 to 200 truck loads of stones would be required to repair the road stretched.
In view of the shortage of fuel oils and other essential commodities in the State, it is being considered to repair the road stretch till 9 in the morning every day instead of blocking the highway the whole day.
Laying of stones would begin from tomorrow, added the source.