| Tagu NINGEE |
Itanagar, Jun 22: Traffic movement along the National Highway (NH)-415 near Upper Hollongi village was disrupted for hours on Monday after a muck landslide triggered by heavy rainfall blocked the roadway this morning at around 9 am.
The affected stretch, located between Itanagar and Hollongi, serves as a crucial link connecting the Itanagar Capital Region with neighbouring Assam. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the highway from both directions as the debris covered the thoroughfare.
Several two-wheelers were reportedly partially buried in the muck, which is believed to have originated from an earth-cutting site on the hillside above the road.
The commuters faced considerable inconvenience; with many unable to seek assistance as the area reportedly lacks mobile network connectivity.
Later, Balijan ADC Takar Rava, accompanied by officials and police personnel, rushed to the site and deployed two earthmovers to clear the debris. Following the clearance operation, normal traffic movement was restored.
Residents said the road stretch has witnessed similar incidents during the monsoon season over the past few years, causing inconvenience to commuters.
One of the local villagers alleged that such problems at the said location did not exist earlier and attributed the landslides to earth-cutting activities carried out in the area.
The incident has once again raised concerns over slope stability and the need for preventive measures along vulnerable stretches of the highway during the rainy season.