Malshej Ghat Land Slide Causes Heavy Traffic Congestion

NP NEWS NETWORK

Pune

Vehicular movement at Malshej Ghat which is the vital link to Mumbai, Thane and other areas of Maharashtra have been closed due to a mudslide. According to Thane Resident Deputy Collector, a rock fell from the ghat around 3 am due to rains.

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As a precautionary measure and to remove the debris, both lanes of the ghat route have been shut for the time being, he added.

The landslide, coupled with fog and the resultant low visibility, led to a tempo accident earlier today. The driver, identified as Amol Dafale, was injured in the incident and rushed to nearby Mauli Accident and Multi-Speciality Hospital for treatment.

Highway officials, revenue staff, and local police are on the spot as of publishing this report. Although work on clearing the road is being undertaken on war-footing, there is no official update on when the route will be opened for traffic. Debris clearing work is going on in the area using bulldozers.

Meanwhile, long queues have formed on either side of the ghat and traffic officials are doing their best to divert traffic via alternative routes. But the closing of both lanes of the ghat route has resulted into heavy traffic congestion in the area.

There are many people who travel from Pune and Mumbai every day from the cities from this route, the route usually stays quite busy.

Those planning to travel via the route today have been advised to check the latest developments before leaving.

Following indications from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of heavy rains in the state, the Pune district administration has stepped up its surveillance and coordination work to face any eventuality. District authorities said they have increased surveillance in areas that are prone to landslides and coordination has been stepped up between departments for better action.

Four years ago, the tribal village of Malin in Ambegaon taluka was wiped out in a sudden landslide when heavy rains had dislodged a portion of the hill. A detailed survey of the district was taken up afterward to identify more villages that were in danger of such disasters.