Landslides in Tungnath Valley.
Akashkamini river has risen due to torrential rains in Tungnath valley of Ukhimath. The overflow of the river has triggered landslides and erosion at many places. The threat has escalated to such an extent that the lives of dozens of families in Tala Tok are at risk. Chopta National Highway has been closed due to landslide debris. Along with this, there is a constant threat to the lives of people traveling on the highway. The landslide has disrupted the lives of dozens of traders in Tala Tok.
The Ukhimath drinking water scheme has also been damaged at many places, while many hectares of farmers’ crops have also been damaged. Apart from this, footpaths have also been damaged at many places. The strong flow of Akashkamini river has triggered an earthquake in the lower part of Mastura Tok area, putting the lives of two dozen families of Papadi Tok at risk.
Pushkar Singh Dhami’s OSD took stock
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s OSD Dalbir Singh Danu and people from the revenue department reviewed the accident site. A survey of the damage caused due to the disaster was also done in this area. Informing about the dire situation, the villagers said that the Akashkamini river has surged due to heavy rains on Saturday night in Tungnath. Because of this, landslides are happening in the low lying areas of Tala Tok. Lives and property of more than two dozen families of Tala Tok are at risk due to landslides.
Heavy damage to crops
Many families and shopkeepers packed their belongings and took shelter in safe places. Villagers said that due to the landslides, cracks have started appearing on the Chopta National Highway which is slowly sinking. Hence, traveling on this highway has become life-threatening. Heavy rains, river flows, landslides and soil erosion have caused huge damage to people’s agriculture and crops. Many bridges built over Akashkamini river are in danger of collapsing due to rise in water level and flow.
(Reporting by Harendra Negi/Rudraprayag)
