Pathankot-Mandi Highway Choked: Reckless Hill-Cutting Blamed for Landslide
A massive landslide on the Pathankot-Mandi highway, triggered by alleged reckless hill-cutting for a road project, brought traffic to a standstill for over 12 hours on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The incident has left eight families living precariously close to the affected area facing imminent threats.
Eyewitnesses and commuters have expressed outrage over the apparent lack of adequate landslide prevention measures along the crucial highway. They allege that the unchecked hill-cutting significantly destabilized the slope, leading to the devastating collapse.
The affected stretch of the highway remained closed until late Wednesday night, causing significant disruptions to vehicular movement and impacting the livelihoods of many. Authorities are now scrambling to clear the debris and restore connectivity.
This incident highlights a critical need for stricter regulations and effective implementation of safety measures in all hill-cutting projects across the state. The lack of foresight and alleged negligence have resulted in immense hardship for local residents and massive economic losses. The government must address these concerns urgently to prevent future catastrophes.