Shimla, July 26: Frequent landslides on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway-21 have again stressed the need to ensure a mechanism to caution people travelling in the areas prone to landslips and rockfall.Heavy rainfall has led to several landslides on the national highway. A massive landslip at Jogni Mod near Pandoh on Sunday blocked the highway for several hours. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in the incident and the traffic was restored after six hours. A massive landslide occurred at Hanogi on National Highway-21 last week, which damaged the temple and a shop.
Commuters rue the absence of a mechanism to detect loose layers of rock and soil in the area.Shyam Singh, a resident, said, “The authorities concerned should conduct a survey to identify places prone to landslips and erect warning boards to alert the commuters as a vast majority of them are not aware of the threat.
”Raujif Sheikh, XEN, PWD, said a survey was conducted by the National Highways Authoruty of India and a detailed report was sent to seek requisite funds from the Centre for taking preventive measures. “We are still awaiting the Centre’s approval for funds,” he said. Rajiv Kumar, ADM, Mandi, said the district administration would ask the National Highways Authority of India to identify places prone to disaster. Thereafter, warning boards would be erected to alert the visitors on the route, he said.
Source Tribune India
