By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 17 Aug: As many as 15 houses were completely destroyed in a landslide in the Langha Jakhan village of Vikasnagar Tehsil in Dehradun district late last evening. In addition, seven cowsheds were also demolished in the rain-related incident. Fortunately, however, no loss of human or animal life was reported.
About 50 people from 16 families live in Jakhan village near Langha, all of whom were shifted to the relief camps set up at a school in Pachta village nearby. Local MLA Munna Singh Chauhan and DM Sonika were present during the rescue operation conducted late last evening.
Meanwhile, in a report coming from district Chamoli, due to the closure of the Badrinath National Highway due to incessant rains over the last few days, people are facing a lot of difficulties in movement. Many big cracks were noticed today near Pursari on the Badrinath Highway due to which people are apprehensive of more landslides in the area in case of continued rains.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for rain in seven districts for the next 24 hours. According to the department, there is a possibility of heavy rain with thunder and lightning in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh. Light rains may occur in other districts.
Due to heavy rains in the state, 323 roads are closed due to debris following landslides in various areas. During this, only 126 roads could be opened in a day. PWD Chief Engineer Deepak Kumar stated that, among the roads that are closed are 12 state highways, seven main district roads, nine other district roads, 135 rural roads and 160 PMGSY roads. He said that, till a day before, 337 roads were closed, 112 roads were closed on Wednesday. Out of the total 449 closed roads, 126 were opened by this morning, while 323 roads are still closed. He informed that 264 JCB machines have been deployed for the work of opening the roads.
Meanwhile, according to some reports, the Doon Defence College building that collapsed in Maldevta recently had been built illegally on occupied land.
