Kalimpong town tackles with the monsoons

Kalimpong|Mukesh Sharma: The onset of monsoons has triggered series of landslides along the National Highway (NH) 31 A, under Kalimpong Subdivision. The route looked after by the GREF and BRO was just coping through the last year’s monsoon is now already tackling with this year’s initial monsoon downpours. The widening of road at Kali Jhora area was under full swing until a tree fell in the middle of the ongoing construction road at 5 in the morning putting the work at halt. Due to this the vehicular movement at NH 31 A also came to a standstill for about an hour. Later the road was cleared with the help of the locals, drivers and the people from the concerned Department. Similarly, a landslide at Tarkhola has also been reported. As the monsoon has stepped in there are landslides at various areas of Kalimpong. During the last year’s monsoons, Ravi Jhora and Birik Dara area were the most affected. According to the Scientists this year more landslides may occur as a result of last year’s earthquake. When asked about how the Department is ready to tackle the monsoons, the Kalimpong MLA, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri notified that he has consulted with the Darjeeling District Magistrate regarding this. All the relief measures are being taken and the basic commodities have been accumulated keeping n mind the adverse effects of monsoons before it’s too late.