Mussoorie's Key Highway Reopens After Month-Long Closure Due to Illegal Excavation Damage
A critical stretch of National Highway 707A near Gandhi Chowk in Mussoorie has been reopened for one-way traffic on Tuesday, marking a significant relief for residents and commuters after a closure lasting over a month. The highway was initially shut down on February 12, following severe damage allegedly caused by illegal excavation activities at its base, which triggered a dangerous landslide.
Minister's Intervention Leads to Partial Reopening
The decision to allow partial traffic flow came after a visit by cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi, who urged officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to prioritize public convenience. "The road was damaged due to illegal plotting below the highway. Repair work is nearly complete and based on public demand, we have asked NHAI to open it for one-way traffic," Joshi stated, highlighting the urgency of restoring connectivity on this busy route.
Residents Express Relief and Hope for Full Restoration
Local residents have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that full two-way traffic will resume before the upcoming tourist season. "We hope two-way traffic is restored soon. With the tourist season approaching and schools reopening, there has been chaos on the alternative routes for over a month," said Shalabh Garg, a resident, underscoring the disruption caused by the closure.
Repair Timeline and Impact on Connectivity
NHAI officials have confirmed that repair work is progressing swiftly and is likely to be completed within four to five days, after which normal traffic operations will be fully restored. The damage had severely disrupted connectivity to several key destinations, including:
- Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA)
- Kempty Falls
- Parts of Tehri and Uttarkashi districts
Root Cause: Illegal Mining Activities
According to official reports, the damage was primarily attributed to property owners who allegedly engaged in illegal mining using heavy machinery near the highway. This unauthorized activity destabilized the area, leading to the landslide that compromised the road's integrity. The incident has raised concerns about regulatory enforcement and the need for stricter monitoring to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As repair efforts near completion, authorities are focused on ensuring the highway's safety and functionality, with hopes that normalcy will return before the influx of tourists and school reopenings add to the traffic burden.
