Cracks in NH 110 at Pagla Jhora, vehicular movements stopped NH10 and NH 717A closed

EOI, DARJEELING, JULY 6, 2024 ; The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has closed the popular tourist spots of Rock Garden and Gangamaya Park as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tourists and the local community because of the heavy rainfall lashing the hills. 

On Saturday the Tourism Department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration issued an order announcing the closure of the two tourism spots till further notice. In its order, the GTA said heavy rainfall in the past few days had caused significant landslides, road blocks and the swelling of rivers and streams to a dangerous level.

"Rock Garden and Gangamaya park will be temporarily closed given the existing weather conditions. The decision has been taken to prevent any potential accidents or harm to visitors due to the unstable conditions caused by the weather," said Sonam Bhutia, the Executive Director of the GTA Tourism Department in his order. The garden and park would remain closed till further notice.

Incessant heavy rainfall has caused landslides, mudslides and cracks at several areas across the hills. We regret the inconvenience caused but the safety and well being is our priority. The two spots will remain closed ill the water level recedes. All tourists and operators are urged to avoid these areas," Bhutia said. 

Huge cracks have appeared on a stretch of NH-110 at Paglajhora in the Kurseong sub-division, blocking vehicular movement as a result. 

The Kalimpong district administration issued the road status of the region. As per the notice the NH-10 is closed from Sethi Jhora to Chitray because of the ongoing hill cutting at Selfie Point in 19th Mile. 

The stretch from Ravi Jhora to Teesta Bazar is also closed due to the ongoing repair works and water logging. 

The NH-717A connecting the state of Sikkim is temporarily closed due to landslides. However, the Kalimpong district administration said the routes from Kalimpong to Siliguri via Panbu and Lava were open and so was the road from Rangpo to Lava via Munsong.