J&K: Severe landslide closes Baramulla-Uri NH near Lagama; traffic diverted

New Delhi: A severe landslide occurred on the Baramulla-Uri section of the Jammu and Kashmir National Highway near Ragama on Sunday, disrupting vehicular movement on the main route.The landslides blocked the road, prompting authorities to divert traffic to Uri via the Bandi-Paranpillan-Dachi route to maintain connectivity while clearance operations are underway, news agency ANI reported.Officials have deployed teams and heavy machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic as soon as possible. Video from the scene showed workers clearing boulders from the affected section of road. There have been no reports of casualties.In another incident on Saturday, the Doda-Kishtwar highway in Doda district was also blocked due to a severe landslide near Ghatso in Doda, Pur Doda, affecting traffic on the route.According to the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police, the landslide occurred early in the morning and completely blocked the road connectivity. “The Doda-Kishtwar highway is blocked due to a severe landslide at Gharso near Purdoda. Work is being done by men and machinery but it will take some time to clear. Commuters are advised to avoid traveling on the Doda-Kishtwar road until the road is fully restored,” the advisory said.Meanwhile, in another incident in Jammu’s Bantaarab district, at least three workers were killed when an under-construction portion of a bridge collapsed.Expressing grief over the deaths, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of three lives in the incident. Four people were trapped, three of them died and one survived safely.” He added that action has been taken, including suspension of two officials, detention of another and blacklisting of the contractor, while investigation is ongoing.