Recurring mudslide at the Sonapyrdi (Sonapur) tunnel along the National Highway 6 in East Jaiñtia Hills has not only wreaked havoc on vehicular traffic leaving thousands of commuters stranded, but have become a major headache for the authorities and workers involved in clearance work.
The stretch has suffered uncountable bouts of mudslide for many years now. Fortunately there has been no casualty or deaths reported so far.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has now sought the intervention of the National Highway Authority of India to suggest a solution as the mudslide became unmanageable today.
DDMA Chairman and Deputy Commissioner, Abhilash Baranwal said the NHAI should explore ways and means on how to control or divert the mudflow from the hills to ensure normal flow of vehicular movement.
“As there is no alternative route to divert vehicles and as the NH 6 serves as a lifeline to the adjoining states of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, it is untenable that the mudslide from the adjoining hills should be allowed to flow unabated on the national highway without any intervention,” he said.
Baranwal said the mudslide at the tunnel that left several vehicles stranded has worsened blocking both sides of the road and is rendered unsafe for travel.
“The clearing exercises are being carried out rigorously by the National Highway Authority of India. Necessary help from other organisations are also being roped in,” he said.
Due to the enormity of the sludge that is descending at the tunnel from the adjoining hills, the clearance and restoration of the road for vehicular movement is likely to take more than 24 hours, he added.
The administration has also warned citizens not to travel on the highway and to opt for alternative routes.
The highway’s closure has disconnected traffic to Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and lower Assam (Barak Valley).
