Heavy Rain Damages NH415 Near Itanagar Blocking Traffic

Heavy rainfall on Sunday night caused significant structural damage and massive traffic blockades along the Itanagar-Hollongi stretch of National Highway 415. A section of the road was completely washed away, while extensive mudslides deposited large volumes of debris onto the highway a few kilometers ahead of Donyi Polo International Airport, stranding numerous commuters and emergency travelers for hours.

Impact of Unregulated Earth Cutting

The severe road damage and mudslides were exacerbated by widespread and unregulated earth-cutting on hill slopes along the highway corridor from Chimpu to Hollongi. Torrential rainwater washed loose earth down the hillsides, transforming the highway into a sludge-covered trap. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to conduct clearance operations and rescue commuters whose vehicles became immobilized in deep mud.

Public Criticism Over Road Safety

The incident has ignited widespread outrage among local residents and regular commuters, who criticized the recurring failure to curb illegal earth-cutting during the monsoon season. Citizens have specifically blamed the local administration, the Forest Department, and the Public Works Department (Highway) for their inaction, highlighting that unchecked hill carving along crucial transit corridors continues to compromise public safety, disrupt connectivity to the state's primary airport, and damage critical public infrastructure annually.