By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 13 Jul: The issue of landslides and road damage in the Khetwala area has yielded a prompt response following prominent media coverage. Acting on the instructions of Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar of the Public Works Department (PWD) visited the site with his team to inspect the area and assess the situation.
Following the inspection, Kumar stated that the hillside has developed major fissures, and landslides are continuing due to incessant rainfall. Consequently, permanent stabilisation is not currently feasible, as the hillside will continue to shift during the rains. He emphasised that public safety is the priority; therefore, accumulated debris and mud are being regularly cleared from the road, and necessary safety measures are being implemented. He added that a detailed project plan for permanent slope stabilisation would be prepared in consultation with ULLMC, aiming to apply scientific treatment methods similar to those used in the Power House area. Rajesh Kumar noted that road-cutting work spanning four kilometres, costing approximately Rs 1 crore, had already been completed. While landslides from newly cut slopes are natural during the monsoon, complaints regarding debris from the cutting work being found along the roadside have been taken seriously. An inquiry will be conducted, and if the contractor is found negligent, action will be taken in accordance with the rules. He reiterated that dumping zones are designated in advance for construction activities, and any violation of regulations will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
