PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
More than 300 active landslide zones across Uttarakhand are yet to undergo permanent scientific treatment, even as the monsoon has set in and the risk of landslides has increased across the State.
According to the Public Works Department (PWD), Uttarakhand has over 420 active landslide zones. While about120 locations have been treated with the support of THDC India Limited and other agencies, the remaining vulnerable sites continue to await long-term stabilisation measures.
Many of these locations witness recurring landslides every monsoon, disrupting traffic and affecting residents, tourists and Char Dham pilgrims. Major vulnerable stretches include Bhatta Fall and Kimadi Road on the Dehradun-Mussoorie route, Sirohbagad, Narkota and the Gaurikund Road in Rudraprayag, Pagalnala and Helang in Chamoli, Sukki Top, Dabarkot and Dharasu in Uttarkashi, Garbadhar, Ogla, Jauljibi and the Dharchula-Tawaghat road in Pithoragarh, Kapkot, Bharari and Shama in Bageshwar and Kwarab, Kosi, Dhaulchhina and Takula in Almora.
PWD executive engineer Arun Kumar Pandey said that the department is carrying out scientific treatment of the remaining landslide-prone locations in a phased manner to provide a long-term solution to recurring landslides and frequent road closures.
He said that machinery, workers and officials have been deployed at sensitive locations and remain on alert to respond quickly to landslides and other rain-related emergencies. Pandey added that restoration teams have also been positioned to clear blocked roads and restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
However, with over 300 identified landslide zones still awaiting permanent mitigation measures, several key highways and hill roads remain vulnerable to disruptions during the ongoing monsoon season, highlighting the need to expedite long-term stabilisation work.
