GANGTOK, 17 Oct: The massive earthquake that rocked the State on 18 September 2011 caused a number of major and minor damages to the road network. Many bridges were also affected and connectivity snapped to a great extent. The continuous rainfall thereafter further aggravated the situation and hampered relief and rescue operations as well.
The Roads & Bridges Department immediately mobilized men and machinery to expedite the restoration works. Within a period of ten days, 70% of the roads were made trafficable. Exclusively temporary measures were adopted by using Hume pipes, HDPE pipe for cross drainages and temporary formation was acquired by back cutting and erecting dry masonry walls.
As on date, all the State Highways and major District roads have been opened for all types of vehicles. The interior roads have also been made trafficable to facilitate the rural population in transporting essential commodities and agricultural products.
The few roads that are still blocked due to major slides are as follows:-
EAST DISTRICT
1. Duga-Pachekhani Road (12Kms)
2. Pakyong-Machong-Rolep Road (blocked at Barapathing)
3. Penlong-Tintek Road(16.21 Km)
4. Assam-Linzey to Pakyong (9km)
5. G.R.B.A. Road (14 Km) (blocked at Merung KM 9th)
NORTH DISTRICT
1. Lingza-Bay - (4 Km)
2. Bay-Pentong - (4 Km)
3. Bakcha –Labi - (4 Km)
4. Toong- Shpgyer - (open for light vehicles)
SOUTH DISTRICT
1. Yangyang-Makha (20 Km)
(blocked at Manzing 10 Km)
2. Rabong-Yangyang (14 Km) (blocked at Dojek slide).
WEST DISTRICT.
1. Budhang-Chumbong
2. Chakhung-Chumbong
3. Pokhari-Karji.
It may be mentioned here that though most of the roads have been opened for immediate traffic. However, the conditions are deplorable. The falling boulders from hill side have damaged the carpeted surface at several places and also in most cases the flank of the road has been washed away. The drains have been damaged and much of the slip portion is yet to be cleared. The mammoth rocks piled up along the various road stretches are being removed which may take some time to clear.
The Roads & Bridges Department immediately mobilized men and machinery to expedite the restoration works. Within a period of ten days, 70% of the roads were made trafficable. Exclusively temporary measures were adopted by using Hume pipes, HDPE pipe for cross drainages and temporary formation was acquired by back cutting and erecting dry masonry walls.
As on date, all the State Highways and major District roads have been opened for all types of vehicles. The interior roads have also been made trafficable to facilitate the rural population in transporting essential commodities and agricultural products.
The few roads that are still blocked due to major slides are as follows:-
EAST DISTRICT
1. Duga-Pachekhani Road (12Kms)
2. Pakyong-Machong-Rolep Road (blocked at Barapathing)
3. Penlong-Tintek Road(16.21 Km)
4. Assam-Linzey to Pakyong (9km)
5. G.R.B.A. Road (14 Km) (blocked at Merung KM 9th)
NORTH DISTRICT
1. Lingza-Bay - (4 Km)
2. Bay-Pentong - (4 Km)
3. Bakcha –Labi - (4 Km)
4. Toong- Shpgyer - (open for light vehicles)
SOUTH DISTRICT
1. Yangyang-Makha (20 Km)
(blocked at Manzing 10 Km)
2. Rabong-Yangyang (14 Km) (blocked at Dojek slide).
WEST DISTRICT.
1. Budhang-Chumbong
2. Chakhung-Chumbong
3. Pokhari-Karji.
It may be mentioned here that though most of the roads have been opened for immediate traffic. However, the conditions are deplorable. The falling boulders from hill side have damaged the carpeted surface at several places and also in most cases the flank of the road has been washed away. The drains have been damaged and much of the slip portion is yet to be cleared. The mammoth rocks piled up along the various road stretches are being removed which may take some time to clear.
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