Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong,22^nd Aug 

NH 10, considered being the lifeline of Sikkim and Kalimpong, remained closed for the entire day today due to a huge landslide at Likuveer. Heavy rains on Monday night had led to a massive landslide at a portion of  NH 10 at Likhu Bheer, 2km ah

Likuveer a silent but dangerous hotspot of NH 10 has been posing continuous threat as some portion of the road has been breached and some are in sinking position. 

About 100 m in length and 20 m height Landslide has bought huge mud and hard stones with it which has covered a big portion of NH 10.

The Likuveer area falls under Tista out post area under Kalimpong sub division. The area was closed two years ago after a major portion of the road was washed away after which Gref constructed a bailey brigde.

Uttam Pradhan A.E of  PWD NH Division told ‘ a major portion of the rocky hills has come down which has blocked the NH 10. A total of 11 places minor landslide was witness. A total of 5 machine was deployed to clear the debris. At 6 pm 45% of the debris was cleared , we will continuously work late night to clear the debris and hope till tomorrow morning we will be able to clear the debris’ He informed.

Meanwhile, many travellers from Sikkim and Kalimpong faced a lot of problem today. A daily service driver from Sikkim said it takes around 4 hours to travel from Gangtok to Siliguri via Teesta, but due to the blockage they had to take an alternate route via Teesta, Peshok and Darjeeling to Siliguri, which takes more than 7 hours. Similarly, travellers and drivers from Kalimpong and surrounding areas also faced similar problems.

It was around 9.40 pm that the hard work of PWD worker cleared the debris and restored one way traffic movement. Police was deployed to check the huge jam of Vehicles informed Darjeeling SP.