Nainital: Uttarakhand: Landslide Zones : Road Safety: Disaster Management: In a significant move to strengthen hill road safety, the Nainital district administration is preparing to spend nearly ₹100 crore on the permanent treatment of three highly vulnerable landslide zones. These dangerous slip zones are located on key hill roads that play a crucial role in tourism and daily connectivity in the district.
Approval Process Accelerated Under Disaster Management Act
Earlier, proposals for land transfer were stalled due to dense forest cover in these areas. However, following a request from the Public Works Department (PWD), the District Magistrate has initiated the approval process under the Disaster Management Act. A special expert committee has been constituted and directed to conduct a site inspection and submit a detailed report.
Critical Katghodam–Haidakhan–Simaliya Band Road at Risk
Around 280 meters of the Katghodam–Haidakhan and Simaliya Band State Highway has been identified as a major danger zone due to severe landslides and land subsidence. This route is vital for connectivity to nearly 200 villages in Bhimtal, Okhalkanda, and Champawat regions.
During the rainy season, frequent road closures in these areas disrupt medical services, ration supply, and other essential needs. Although temporary repairs are carried out to keep the road operational, the risk of repeated closures during monsoon remains high.
Chronic Slip Zone Identified at Bawas
A chronic slip zone stretching approximately 358 meters has been identified in the Bawas area. Continuous soil erosion has weakened the road structure, increasing the risk of accidents. Technical support from THDC is being sought to ensure scientific and long-term treatment of this section.
Similar is the case with the Shaheed Balwant Singh Road in Betalghat which gets blocked every monsoon due to heavy debris and landslides. Persistent hill subsidence has made it clear that permanent treatment is urgently required to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
DPR Submitted, Expert Committee to Inspect Sites
The PWD has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for all three roads and sought administrative approval. The District Magistrate has formed a committee comprising the SDM, District Mining Officer, Pollution Control Officer, and Forest Department officials to conduct on-ground inspections.
Once the inspection report is submitted, work on permanent solutions for these dangerous hill stretches is expected to begin. This initiative is likely to ensure safer travel and reliable connectivity for thousands of residents and tourists in the Nainital district.
