Blocked NH-87 gives Kumaon a hard time

The important Haldwani- Bhawali-Almora National Highway-87, that remained blocked since the past 24 hours due to landslide near Padli, Bhawali, has hit mobility to and from rest of the Kumaon division badly.Though the officials concerned of the Nainital district administration have claimed to have taken steps to open the said road soon, passengers travelling through this national highway have been experiencing a harrowing time to reach their destinations.

Since the Haldwani- Bhawali – Almora is the sole road surface link connecting different hill destinations of the Kumaon division via Almora , therefore, early resumption of vehicular traffic is vital.

However, the vehicles coming from Haldwani side are being diverted to Bhawali- Ramgarh route to reach Almora and other hill stations via Kwarab. Efforts are on to restore mobility on the  Haldwani- Bhawali- Almora national highway -87 as early as possible, said Deepak Rawat, district magistrate, Nainital.

Presently, the vehicles coming from Haldwani side are being diverted to via Bhawali-Ramgarh route to reach Almora and other hill stations via Kwarab. Movements  of the vehicular traffic will be allowed on the Haldwani- Bhawali- Almora national highway -87 only after opening of this road stretch, added Rawat.

Apart from that, road connectivity also remained  disrupted in different  parts of Nainital and other parts of the Kumaon division with many links roads   remaining  blocked for vehicular movements even on Sunday following the incessant rain experienced during the past two days. Rural areas seem to be more affected due to the incessant rainfall. About half a dozen link roads are reported be blocked in Nainital.

Apart from poor road connectivity, basic service like drinking water and electricity supply are also reported to be disrupted in many parts of the Nainital district on account of the heavy rain showers experienced during the past two days. People  in different parts of Haldwani experienced a tough time following disruption in power supply at regular intervals on Sunday. More so , disrupting power supply also hit drinking water supply here on Sunday.  However, more or less the weather conditions here on Sunday remained normal. In case the weather conditions deteriorate further, the  basic services will only get further disrupted.

In the meanwhile, the Nainital district administration has said that efforts are on  to restore the basic services like drinking water and electricity supply , road connectivity to name a few on priority basis.