Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 1 Jul: The incessant rain in Mussoorie is becoming a major problem for residents. On Wednesday, a large section of the hillside suddenly collapsed onto the main road near the ‘Mines’ area on Hathipaon Road. Traffic came to a complete standstill as a massive amount of rock and debris spilled onto the road. A vehicle was caught in the debris during the incident, but a major tragedy was averted thanks to the driver’s quick thinking and good fortune; the driver escaped safely, and there was no loss of life. According to eyewitnesses, the hillside had been cracking due to the rain that had been falling since morning. Suddenly, accompanied by a loud, explosive sound, a large chunk of the hill crashed onto the road, quickly piling up with rocks and soil. Panic ensued among motorists passing by at the time, and long queues of vehicles formed on both sides. Many tourists and locals remained stuck in the traffic jam for a considerable time. Upon receiving news of the incident, the Mussoorie police and local administration rushed to the scene. Police immediately cordoned off the affected area, halted traffic, and warned people against approaching the debris. Officials kept the public at a safe distance, anticipating the risk of further rockfalls.
Subsequently, a Public Works Department (PWD) team arrived with heavy machinery. Using a JCB machine, the department began clearing the large rocks and debris scattered across the road. After significant effort, the road was fully cleared, and the stalled traffic on both sides was gradually restored. Incidents of landslides are frequently being reported in Mussoorie and surrounding hilly areas during the rainy season. In light of this, locals emphasise the need for regular monitoring of vulnerable spots and the timely implementation of safety measures to prevent major accidents. The administration has also urged tourists and local residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of continuous rain. If travel is essential, extreme caution should be exercised on mountain roads, and stopping or parking vehicles in landslide-prone areas must be avoided.
