J&K: Heavy landslide shuts Baramulla-Uri NH near Lagama; traffic diverted

NEW DELHI: The Baramulla-Uri stretch of the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir was closed near Lagama on Sunday following a heavy landslide, disrupting vehicular movement on the key route.The landslide blocked the road, prompting authorities to divert traffic via the Bandi-Paranpillan-Dachi route towards Uri to maintain connectivity while clearance operations are under way, news agency ANI reported.Officials have deployed teams along with heavy machinery to remove debris and restore movement at the earliest. Visuals from the site show personnel clearing boulders from the affected stretch. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.In a separate incident on Saturday, the Doda-Kishtwar road in Doda district was also blocked after a major landslide near Gatsoo, close to Pul Doda, affecting traffic on the route.According to the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police, the landslide occurred early in the morning and completely obstructed the road link. “The Doda-Kishtwar road is blocked due to a major landslide at Gatsoo near Pul Doda. Men and machinery are on the job; however, it will take some time to clear. Commuters are advised to avoid travel on the Doda-Kishtwar road until it is fully restored,” the advisory said.Meanwhile, in another incident in the Bantalab area of Jammu, at least three labourers were killed after an under-construction portion of a bridge collapsed.Deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of three lives in the incident. Four people were trapped, of whom three died, and one survived safely.” He added that action has been initiated, including suspension of two officials, attachment of another, and blacklisting of the contractor, while an inquiry is under way.