The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a major step towards securing a crucial mountain route in Uttarakhand. It has finalized a detailed plan for the permanent repair of multiple landslide-prone sections on the Yamunotri national highway, which were severely damaged during the recent monsoon season.
Monsoon Havoc Spurs Action on NH-134
This year's heavy rains wreaked havoc on the 71-kilometre-long Yamunotri highway (NH-134). The route witnessed repeated and dangerous incidents of road subsidence and slope failures at numerous points. These disruptions highlighted the urgent need for a long-term solution to make the highway safe and reliable for travellers and locals alike.
In response, the NHAI has prepared a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) with an estimated cost of Rs 207.4 crore. This report outlines the permanent treatment required for 13 specific landslide zones that became highly active during the monsoon. The DPR has now been forwarded to the regional office of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for formal approval.
Scope of the Proposed Landslide Treatment Project
The ambitious project covers two major stretches of the troubled highway. The plan encompasses eight critical landslide zones located between Dharasu Bend and Silkyara. Additionally, it includes five zones situated between Polgaon and Paligad.
Officials have noted a worrying trend: the number of damaged stretches and identified landslide zones has increased compared to the previous monsoon season. This escalation is directly attributed to the continuous road subsidence and slope failures that occurred throughout the rainy period.
Ongoing Work and Identified Trouble Spots
While awaiting approval for the large-scale project, authorities have not remained idle. Treatment work has already commenced on some of the most affected sections. According to National Highways Department Executive Engineer Manoj Rawat, a total of 48 landslide-prone zones were identified on the highway this year alone.
"Treatment work is currently underway at 15 locations," Rawat stated. He further explained the status of the planning documents, saying, "DPRs have been submitted for 13 sites, while reports are being prepared for another 20 locations."
The submitted DPR for the 13 sites includes proposed treatment works at the following key locations:
- Five locations near Kalyani, close to Brahmakhal.
- Three sites near Hareti.
- Two zones near Chhatanga.
- One site each at Kharadi, Kuthanour, and Paligad.
The preparation of this detailed report and the initiation of immediate work underscore the serious commitment to restoring and fortifying this vital highway. The goal is to prevent future monsoon seasons from causing similar large-scale disruptions and safety hazards on the route to Yamunotri.
