IMC and PWD Collaborate for Urgent Restoration of NH-415 in Karsingsa Following Landslide
In response to a severe landslide triggered by heavy rainfall, officials from the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) have launched urgent restoration efforts for NH-415 at Karsingsa, under the directive of Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister.
The landslide, which occurred near the Karsingsa block point on NH-415, resulted in the partial collapse of the road and a box culvert on June 18, 2024. This incident, exacerbated by unplanned earth cutting for Solid Waste Management by the IMC, has severely disrupted public transportation and inconvenienced local residents.
According to Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar Capital Complex, immediate action was mandated following a complaint from the PWD’s Naharlagun Highway Division. The Chief Minister’s office directed swift restoration measures to alleviate the hardships faced by commuters.
Initial assessments estimate the temporary restoration costs at approximately Rs 15 lakhs, with permanent repairs expected to require around Rs 5 crore. The collaboration between IMC and PWD aims to expedite these efforts, ensuring swift access restoration and addressing structural damages caused by the landslide.
Amidst challenges, local community support has been pivotal, with social worker Tadar Takio highlighting the contributions of citizens who used private machinery to clear paths temporarily. The Mayor of Itanagar emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts and pledged IMC’s support to NGOs engaged in the restoration process.
As restoration work progresses, officials remain focused on mitigating further risks and restoring normalcy along NH-415, underscoring the resilience and unity of local stakeholders in managing natural disasters.
