The incessant rain in sub-Himalayan Bengal triggered minor landslides in the Darjeeling hills in the past few days.
According to sources in the district disaster management office in Darjeeling, it rained heavily in the hills during the past 24 hours. While Darjeeling recorded a rainfall of 227mm, it rained 74mm and 41mm in Kurseong and Mirik, respectively.
“The road connecting Goke to Rangdu in Goke panchayat of Bijanbari block was blocked because of a landslide. Also, another road at Upper Lingsebung of Lodhama panchayat under Pulbazar block was damaged in landslides. Minor landslides have been reported in some wards of the Darjeeling municipal area,” said a source.
In Kurseong, a culvert was completely damaged at Savitri Devi Road in ward seven and snapped the direct road connectivity to the town from areas like Sherpabusty.
Brigen Gurung, the chairman of the board of administrators of the civic body, and engineers visited the affected spot. Shyam Sherpa, an executive member of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, also went there.
“Around 200 people in the locality are facing inconveniences because of the disruption in road communication. The restoration work will start from Friday,” said a representative of the civic body.
Tracks restored
The tracks of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which had been affected by landslides between the Tindharia and Ghayabari stations of the Kurseong subdivision, were restored on Tuesday evening.
DHR sources said because of rainfall, the debris had fallen on the tracks and hence, passengers travelling in the toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and vice-versa had to transship along the damaged stretch.
“Since August 6, we had been running a train till the damaged stretch, both from NJP and Darjeeling. The passengers were getting off the train at the spot, crossing the area, and taking the train on the other side. Yesterday evening, the tracks were restored,” said an official.
The normal service of the DHR between NJP and Darjeeling will resume on Thursday, he said.
