Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, inspected the Jotsoma By-Pass Road on 12th October 2025 to assess its condition for repair and restoration. He was accompanied by Additional SP (Traffic) Kohima Puzoto Khatso, Revenue Officer Kohima Kevingoto Kulnu, NCS, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Er. Wabang, SDO Sechü-Zubza Imliakum Sanglir, DPRO Kohima and other officials, along with representatives from the Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Jotsoma Village Council (JVC).
The inspection was carried out in light of the recent landslides at Liezocha and Kezanu, which rendered portions of NH-29 unmotorable, making the Jotsoma By-Pass Road a crucial alternative route.
During the discussion, DC Buchem expressed gratitude to JVC, JYO, NSDMA, Traffic Police, PWD (R&B) and all others for extending their cooperation, remarking that “disaster knows no day” and emphasized the urgency of the repair work. He announced that the restoration would be executed directly by the concerned department to ensure quality workmanship. He expressed confidence in the PWD (R&B) team to deliver a durable and well-constructed road.
He informed that the repair work is being funded through the Disaster Management Authority and stressed the importance of completing it at the earliest, noting the challenges of Kohima’s loose soil conditions and heavy daily traffic of around 400 trucks. The DC emphasized that all repair works, wherever done, should be carried out with the highest standards of quality. It was also clarified that funds sanction is for emergency road restoration work damaged during this monsoon season and that there is no provision for land compensation.
Additional SP (Traffic) Kohima Khatso acknowledging the observation of the village said that enforcement of traffic regulation particularly for heavy vehicles need more effort from traffic police, and assured that stronger measures and better traffic regulations would be implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow.
JVC Chairman Rüdolie Nagi stated that the road belongs to everyone and urged the department to construct a proper and long-lasting road.
JYO President informed that the organisation had already cleared landslide debris and drains in some sections and expressed readiness to continue assisting in the restoration. He also appealed to the government to consider widening the by-pass road in the near future and to enforce traffic regulations, particularly against heavy vehicles plying in violation of traffic advisories issued by the government authority.
Both the JVC and JYO reiterated their request for the PWD (R&B) department to undertake the work directly instead of engaging contractors, ensuring better quality and durability, and assured support in any possible manner.
(DPRO Kohima)
