In a major step toward strengthening road safety in the hill districts, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday carried out an on-site inspection of the Swala Danger Zone located on the Champawat–Tanakpur National Highway. The area has witnessed repeated landslides in recent months, severely affecting local connectivity and public movement.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister reviewed the situation from the ground, assessing the extent of debris, drainage conditions, and the overall stability of the slope. The inspection was conducted in the presence of senior district officials, including District Magistrate Manish Kumar, who provided a detailed briefing on the geographical structure of the area, the volume of debris, water flow patterns, and the nature of the affected terrain.
Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to prepare a comprehensive and permanent technical plan to stabilise the Swala stretch and prevent further road blockages. He said that the state government is committed to ensuring that the Champawat–Tanakpur route remains fully operational by 2026.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister instructed concerned departments to maintain 24-hour vigilance in landslide-prone areas and to strengthen arrangements for debris removal. He also ordered the deployment of adequate machinery, JCBs, and human resources at critical points to enable prompt action in case of emergencies.
During the inspection, Dhami emphasised that public safety must remain the top priority for all agencies involved. He stated that even during adverse weather, communication routes must stay open to ensure accessibility for residents, emergency vehicles, and essential supplies. The Chief Minister also directed that alternative routes be kept operational at all times to avoid isolation of nearby villages.
Officials were instructed to ensure that people living near the affected zones are regularly updated on the condition of the road and that essential relief materials are made available whenever required. Dhami said that restoring confidence among residents through timely action and communication is crucial for effective disaster management.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is taking a scientific and long-term approach to deal with recurring landslides and is already working with geological and technical experts to find durable solutions for vulnerable sites across Uttarakhand. He added that similar action plans will be implemented in other sensitive zones to ensure smooth year-round road connectivity in the hill regions.
Our correspondent reports that Dhami termed the Champawat–Tanakpur road as a vital economic and social lifeline for the border and hill communities of the region. He said the government will continue to prioritise the development and reinforcement of this route to support trade, travel, and local livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also interacted with local officials and engineers on-site, reviewing the progress of ongoing restoration work. He instructed them to speed up slope protection and water drainage measures to minimise the risk of future slides.
Officials present assured that the proposed permanent solution would include modern geological assessments, improved water management systems, and durable slope reinforcement methods. The meeting concluded with directives for inter-departmental coordination to accelerate the execution of the project.
