Solutions to Swala landslide zone on Tanakpur-Pithoragarh highway in the offing
Solutions to Swala landslide zone on Tanakpur-Pithoragarh highway in the offing
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Dec 17
The Swala danger zone in Champawat district on Tanakpur – Pithoragarh highway, will be free from frequent landslides as the 7 benches with concrete walls, are being constructed to check the sliding debris from above hills, will be cleared by first week of March next year,Districgt Magistrate Champawat Manish Kumar said.
“Out of 7 benches, 2 have already been constructed, while the construction of remaining 5 benches is in progress,” said Manish Kumar.
The Swala danger zone known as a zone for frequent blockades of strategically significant highway at border, has remained active during this monsoon and made the passengers stranded for hours this monsoon.
“This situation led to special attention towards finding a permanent solution of the problem with construction of 7 benches upside the zone to check the sliding debris. We hope the project will give relief from continue falling of debris in next monsoon as well,” hoped N.C. Tamta, an assistant engineer of National Highway at Lohaghat.
The Swala zone caught attention due to disruption of Tanakpur- Pithoragarh, high way, halting traffic of tourists to Adi Kailash, in Vyans valley of Dharchula sub division of border district of Pithoragarh district, that has been promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2023 visiting the pilgrimage place with an intention to develop it probably as an alternative of Kailash Mansarowar yatra,that was ceased after Corona epidemic of 2019.
“if the landslides zone continue to hamper traffic to Adi Kailash route or as way to panchchuli, Milan or high Himalayan marathon route, where a record breaking 34000 pilgrims visited Adi Kailash yatra this year, the yatra and other adventure activities being organised in high Himalayan region will be adversely affected,”said Pawan Joshi, a social worker and hotelier in Pithoragarh district.
