Uttarakhand continues to grapple with disaster-related challenges, especially along its national highways, where landslides remain a recurring threat. At present, 203 landslide-prone zones have been identified across 3,594 km of highway network in the state. This year’s monsoon created new vulnerable spots, including Silai Band on the Yamunotri route, where landslides and soil erosion worsened the situation.
Chief Engineer (National Highways) Mukesh Parmar confirmed that, apart from the previously identified zones, several new points have emerged. These include Silai Band, Naradchatty, and Phoolchatty on the Yamunotri route, Farasu on the Badrinath route, and Gular Valley, where landslide risks are evident. Plans for permanent treatment are being prepared, and so far, 127 DPRs have been approved, with work already in progress at 20 sites. Restoring damaged highways is estimated to cost over ₹1,000 crore.
Experts stress the need for slope protection. Former GSI Deputy DG Tribhuvan Singh Pangti explained that unregulated blasting during road construction weakens mountains, making them prone to collapse during monsoon rains. Former Wadia Institute scientist D.P. Dobal added that improper slope management during hill cutting leads to debris sliding down, underlining the urgent need for protective measures.
On the Tanakpur–Pithoragarh highway, which was widened to four lanes, landslides continue to disrupt traffic, especially during the rainy season. Of the 60 identified landslide zones here, only 27 have been treated so far. The route remains a critical lifeline for border districts, along with the Dehradun–Pithoragarh and Ranikhet–Almora–Pithoragarh highways.
