Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh road opened; cleared of landslides

Srinagar, Aug 15 (UNI) The 434-km Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh road was reopened after Project Beacon cleared the landslides at various places along the highway, an official spokesman said today.

He said on August 12, a cloudburst occured in Gagangir area, about 72 km from Srinagar.

The nearby villagers were immediately alerted and soon after rolling boulders, fast-flowing debris and water started accumulating between 71.90 km and 73.60 km, the spokesman added.

The road was blocked at both the places, cutting off Sonamarg from Srinagar. He said Project Beacon, which maintains the highway, immediately swung into action.

Continuous flow of water, huge boulders and fallen trees added to the problems of the men and the available resources in the nearby vicinity were diverted on August 13 at 0600 hrs.

The spokesman said additional dozers were moved from other sectors. Three JCB pay loaders, two D80 dozers, with 50 department and as many casual paid labourers were deployed, he added.

The road clearance operation was inspected by Project Beacon Chief Engineer Brigadier S S Dasaka.

The spokesman said the police on getting information controlled the traffic, and the convoy coming from Leh was permitted to move first towards Srinagar and then from Leh.

UNI AG pr ht1827