Trucks stuck as sunk zone partially repaired
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14 2013:
Even though vehicular movement through the landslide affected zone near Heritage Village on the Imphal-Dimapur road has been partially restored it is still impossible for heavy vehicles to cross the sunken portion.
Landslide on the intervening night of July 12-13 had washed away nearly 300 metres of the NH-2 section in Heritage Village area, which is near Nagaland State capital Kohima.
With personnel and machines of 15th BRTF working round the clock to repair the damaged portion movement of light vehicles reportedly resumed from around 11 am yesterday.
The highway restoration work is said to be in full swing under the personal supervision of 15th BRTF's 89th RCP Commander T Kumar but progress of the repairing activities continues to be hampered by sporadic to heavy rainfall in the area.
Speaking to The Sangai Express Kumar conceded that progress of the highway restoration work would be dependent on the weather condition.
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Taking into account inclement weather it would be premature to predict when normal traffic could be restored completely, he said.
In addition to trucks, passenger buses too are not allowed to pass through the land-slide affected area as a precautionary measure for vehicular movement over the unstable portion is highly prone to risk, explained the Commander.
It may be noted that consequent to the Kuki State Demand Committee imposing general strike and economic blockade totalling nearly 84 hours since July 8 transportation of petroleum products, including LPG under CRPF escort remained suspended on no less than four occasions this month.
Prior to the Heritage Village landslide shipment of transport fuel/LPG was possible only once.
Consequent to the highway snap loaded fuel tankers and LPG carriers are being stationed at the CRPF camp near Kohima.
Meanwhile, a source in the Indian Oil Corporation, Imphal office said there is no reason for panic buying of transport fuel as stock is adequate in the Chingmeirong Depot of IOC.
In addition to the well-maintained depot there are about 80 fully loaded tankers awaiting their turn to unload in the depot.