Keonjhar: Landslides and rockfalls triggered by heavy rain at several places along Barabanka Ghat on NH-520 under Rugudi police station in Keonjhar district disrupted vehicular movement on Monday. Nearly half of one side of the carriageway was blocked after a portion of the hillside gave way.Police personnel and officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reached the spot and have been working since Sunday night to clear the road and regulate traffic. The movement of iron-laden trucks and passenger buses between Badabil and Rourkela in Sundargarh district was affected. Similarly, transportation of stone from Koida and Badabil mines, as well as passenger traffic, has been disrupted too.The affected road connects important areas of Kendujhar district and sees regular movement of passenger and goods vehicles. Keonjhar police issued a warning and advised people to remain alert while passing through the affected stretch. IIC of Rugudi police station Sampad Mohanty said, “Police and NHAI staff are there to clear the debris falling on the highway. Due to this one side of the road in that location stopped and vehicles are diverted to other side road”. “Currently, the landslide took place at one place, but more locations are identified as potential landslide sites if rain continues, and accordingly, precautions are being taken,” the IIC added.
