Landslides cripple highway traffic in Uttarakhand

Heavy rains and landslides over the past fortnight have crippled traffic on the National Highways of Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh, Aug 5 : Heavy rains and landslides over the past fortnight have crippled traffic on the National Highways of Uttarakhand.

Tarmac has given way to slush on the key Rishikesh-Gangotri Highway (National Highway-108) and the Badrinath Highway (NH-58) with hundreds of vehicles stranded or moving at a snail's pace.

The auspicious pilgrimage undertaken during the ongoing 'Shravan' month has been hit along with tourism - the mainstay of the State's economy.

"Roads have got damaged due heavy rains for the past two days. Vehicles are stranded. People are made to walk their way. Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses are the worst-hit," said V.S.Pundir, resident of a village along the highway.

At least 14 people have died in rain-related accidents in the State so far, and several dozens injured. Apart from road accidents, several have died in landslides in villages along the highway.

Floods have also caused havoc with overflowing mountain streams washing away the villages.

The State government said it has put its disaster management machinery on an alert.

"A red alert has been sounded. All departments and agencies related to the disaster management have been alerted, and shall work in a coordinated manner. The district magistrates will lead special teams that will operate at district and village levels," said Diwakar Bhatt, Uttarakhand Disaster Management Minister.

ANI