A massive landslide struck National Highway-313 near Anini in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley district on the evening of February 26, completely washing away significant portions of the road and severely disrupting vehicular movement. The landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall over the past few weeks, has severed connectivity between Anini and Roing in the Lower Dibang Valley, posing a major challenge for residents and authorities. The affected highway serves as a crucial lifeline for the people of Dibang Valley, facilitating the movement of essential goods and services. Moreover, NH-313 holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the international border with China. With the road now rendered impassable, local communities have been left stranded, and supply chains disrupted.
In response to the crisis, the Dibang Valley district administration has swiftly mobilized manpower and heavy machinery to restore the highway. Emergency repair work is being carried out on a war footing, though officials estimate that it may take several days to make the route operational again. District officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, have been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that restoration work progresses without delay. “Efforts are being made to restore connectivity as soon as possible, but given the extent of the damage, commuters are advised to avoid the route until further notice,” said a senior official.
Given the precarious condition of the highway, the Dibang Valley District Magistrate has issued an advisory urging travelers to exercise caution. Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected stretch and opt for alternative routes wherever possible. Those planning to travel to or from Anini have been asked to delay their journeys until road clearance work is completed. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed concerns over the recurring landslides in the region, particularly during the monsoon and prolonged spells of heavy rain. Many have urged authorities to implement long-term solutions to enhance the resilience of NH-313 against such disasters.
