Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 22 Jul: Persistent rainfall in Mussoorie has compounded difficulties for the public. The Kimadi route—often viewed as a vital alternative and a source of relief during inclement weather—has now been shut down due to landslides. Authorities were compelled to halt traffic for safety reasons as debris and stones continued to tumble from the hillside. Typically, the Kimadi road serves as a crucial alternative for locals and travellers whenever the main routes face congestion or blockages during the monsoon. However, the rainfall this time was so intense that even this backup plan failed. Reports indicate slope failures at multiple locations along the Kimadi route. The continuous falling of stones and debris onto the road heightened the risk of accidents, prompting the administration and the Public Works Department (PWD) to close the route as a precautionary measure.
Debris clearance operations using JCB machines are underway on a war footing, though incessant rain continues to pose challenges to these efforts. Locals express growing concern over commuting difficulties caused by the closure of the Kimadi route, especially given the Meteorological Department’s ongoing warnings of heavy rain. There is a prevailing view that permanent safety measures are required at landslide-prone sites in the hilly regions to spare people from such recurring hardships every monsoon. Experts note that continuous rain weakens the soil on the hillsides, leading to a higher incidence of sudden landslides; consequently, the administration is exercising extreme caution rather than taking any risks. Efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy on the Kimadi route are currently in progress. The administration has urged the public to avoid attempting to use closed routes and to verify road conditions before setting out on their journeys.
