Sunday, Jul 07, 2024 08:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jul 07, 2024 02:37 [IST]
DARJEELING,: Traffic on NH 110 (formerly NH 55) has
been suspended due to cracks and sinking at Paglajhora, about 10 km from
Kurseong.
Paglajhora, situated between Ghaybari
and Mahanadi, has been affected by landslides and the road is gradually collapsing
and halting all vehicular movement. NH 110 is a crucial route connecting
Siliguri to Darjeeling and Kurseong.
Most vehicles typically use the Rohini
route, leaving NH 110 primarily for heavy vehicles like buses and trucks, which
are now unable to use the road. The cracks were first observed on Friday. With
the closure of this route, vehicles are being redirected via the
Gayabari-Giddapahar route to Kurseong. However, there is currently no vehicular
link between Ghayabari and Mahanadi.
On the other hand, the water level of
the Teesta River has risen again, causing water to overflow onto Teesta road
and halting vehicular movement. Only emergency vehicles are allowed to pass
through this stretch, which connects Kalimpong and Sikkim to Darjeeling. A
protection wall is being constructed between the river and the road. Travellers
from Kalimpong are using the alternative route via Mungpoo, while those heading
to Sikkim from Darjeeling are taking the Tukvar-Singla-Jorethang-Melli route.
NH 10, the main route connecting
Kalimpong and Sikkim with the plains, remains closed due to ongoing repair work
and fresh landslides between Chitrey and Sethi Jhora. Alternative routes via
Lava, Panbu and Mungsung are being used.
In a related development, the GTA’s
Tourism department has announced the temporary closure of tourist spots like
Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety
of tourists and locals. The continuous rainfall has increased the water force
in waterfalls and streams, which are the main attractions in these areas.
