Recurring Landslides Trigger Safety Review of Vital Uri-Baramulla Highway

Suhail Khan

Baramulla, Jan 03: The strategic Uri-Baramulla National Highway (NH-1), the only route connecting the border town with the rest of the world, is undergoing an urgent safety review following two significant landslides in less than three weeks.

The latest incident occurred on Friday near the Eco Park in Baramulla, where massive boulders and debris cascaded onto the roadway. No casualties were reported.

In response to mounting public anxiety, Cabinet Minister Javid Ahmad Dar addressed the situation in an exclusive conversation with Kashmir Convener. “The government is fully seized of the two landslide incidents on the Uri-Baramulla highway,” Minister Dar stated. “The Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla is closely monitoring the situation.”

Minister Dar confirmed that contingency planning is actively underway. “We are also evaluating the feasibility of an alternate route linked to the Jhelum Valley,” he revealed. “The Deputy Commissioner will conduct a review meeting on the proposal. If found viable, we will certainly pursue its development as an alternative.”

Earlier on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa detailed the immediate administrative actions taken following the initial landslide. “Mining activities in the proximate area were immediately suspended, and a case has been registered under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” DC Sherpa stated.

Talking to Kashmir Convener, Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that such geological hazards are an inherent challenge during major highway expansion projects in mountainous terrain but emphasized proactive mitigation. “We are deploying every effort to minimize these occurrences and ensure a swift response,” Sherpa said.

He added that earth-cutting operations are being mandated to follow scientific guidelines to reduce slope instability and that illegal activities would be met with strict enforcement.

         Meanwhile, highway authorities also confirmed to Kashmir Convener that the construction site is under continuous surveillance to prevent further incidents and to expedite the restoration of unimpeded traffic flow along this nationally significant corridor.