Nagaland: Tragic Rockfall on NH-29 at Pagala Pahar Claims One Life
The Pagala Pahar area, known for its unstable terrain, has been plagued by recurring landslides and rockfalls, particularly during heavy rainfall.
DIMAPUR- A tragic rockfall incident on National Highway 29 (NH-29) at the Pagala Pahar stretch in Chumoukedima district claimed the life of a truck driver on Friday morning, marking the third fatal rockfall in the area in three years.
The incident occurred around 10:00 AM when falling rocks and sludge struck a moving truck on the valley-side section of the highway, according to local reports shared on social media. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities are yet to release the victim’s identity pending notification of kin. No other injuries were reported.
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The Pagala Pahar area, known for its unstable terrain, has been plagued by recurring landslides and rockfalls, particularly during heavy rainfall. This latest tragedy follows similar incidents in 2023 and 2024, raising alarm over the safety of NH-29, a critical artery connecting Dimapur and Kohima.
The stretch had previously been closed for weeks in September 2024 due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, which also claimed six lives in a massive slide near Pagala Pahar.
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The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has faced criticism for delays in repair and stabilization efforts. Despite recent efforts to reopen the highway for one-way traffic, the recurring disasters underscore the need for a permanent solution, such as extending the Ramban viaduct, as suggested by experts.
Local authorities have initiated clearance operations, but no official statement has been released regarding the timeline for restoring full traffic flow.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with residents and leaders demanding urgent action. Locals expressed grief over the loss and called for comprehensive measures to prevent future tragedies.
The Nagaland government and NHIDCL are under pressure to address the hazardous conditions of this vital highway, as the community mourns yet another loss.
