G Udayagiri: The Kalinga Ghat stretch on National Highway 157 along the Kandhamal-Ganjam border will remain closed for two days, September 23 and 24, in view of the possibility of a cyclone bringing heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds, thereby increasing risk of landslides, Kandhamal Collector Vedbhushan said.
Passenger buses and other vehicles will be completely barred from using the ghat road during the two days. The district administration has advised people not to travel through the route under any circumstances. Heavy rain could trigger landslides at several locations along Kalinga Ghat, with loose soil, boulders and other debris potentially falling from the hills.
The risk is particularly high at existing landslide-prone spots, where accumulated rocks could also become dislodged. The district administration said protection of life and property was the priority during the anticipated cyclone.
After the weather improves and rainfall subsides, a technical team will inspect the Kalinga Ghat road and assess its condition. The administration has appealed to the public and vehicle operators to cooperate with the closure order to prevent any untoward incident caused by the cyclone and heavy rain.
Last year, Kalinga Ghat remained closed for nearly 47 days following a landslide. Vehicular movement was restored after the department constructed a temporary road at the affected site.
