Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): An IIT technical team will conduct a detailed investigation into landslides reported at two points along Kalinga Ghat on NH-157 in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, as the state government has ordered immediate restoration and safety measures following heavy rainfall in the region.
Pic Credit: x.com/PWD_Odisha
Odisha Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh inspected the affected stretches on Sunday and reviewed the condition of the road and adjoining hill slopes. He directed officials to undertake emergency measures on a priority basis, with particular focus on preventing risks to motorists.
Loose Debris to Be Cleared
During the inspection, Singh instructed officials to remove loose rocks, unstable soil and other potentially hazardous material from vulnerable portions of the hill slopes.
He also directed authorities to restrict vehicular movement through unsafe sections until the prescribed safety measures are completed and the road is considered fit for traffic.
At another landslide-affected location in the ghat section, officials have been asked to put in place arrangements for regulated single-lane traffic. A taper extending about 400 metres on either side of the affected entry point will be created to guide vehicles safely through the vulnerable stretch.
Traffic will be permitted only after the required safety arrangements are completed, officials said.
IIT Team to Assess Landslide Causes
The technical team from IIT will inspect the landslide locations at Km 86.380 and Km 86.675 along NH-157.
The investigation will focus on identifying the factors responsible for the slope failures and suggesting permanent engineering solutions for stabilising the affected stretches.
The recommendations submitted by the IIT experts will subsequently guide construction and long-term restoration work at the sites.
Heavy Rainfall Triggers Concern
The inspection followed heavy rainfall in Kandhamal and surrounding areas, which led to landslides at several points along the Kalinga Ghat section.
The Works Department has directed field officials to complete emergency restoration measures without delay while maintaining road safety and ensuring controlled movement of vehicles wherever conditions permit.
Officials Inspect Affected Stretch
Kandhamal Collector Vedbhushan, the Additional District Magistrate of Bhanjanagar, Chief Engineer-I (National Highways), Chief Engineer of the Southern Circle at Berhampur and the Superintending Engineer of the Phulbani National Highway Division were among the officials who accompanied the Works Department Principal Secretary during the inspection.