Landslide on NH19 Near Asansol Sparks Panic and Major Disruption
A sudden landslide along National Highway 19 (NH19) near Asansol has triggered panic among residents and commuters, bringing traffic to a standstill and highlighting once again the growing vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure during the monsoon.
The incident, which unfolded recently after days of relentless rainfall, sent large volumes of soil, rocks, and uprooted trees tumbling down onto the crucial highway stretch. The affected section, located on the outskirts of Asansol near older mining zones, saw immediate disruption as debris blocked both lanes of the road.
Swift response to restore critical route
Emergency teams from the Asansol Municipal Corporation, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police rushed to the site soon after reports of the slide emerged. Bulldozers and excavators worked through the night to clear the debris, while traffic was temporarily halted to prevent accidents.
By the following morning, authorities managed to open one lane of NH19, though commuters still faced long delays and serpentine queues of stranded trucks and buses. Locals described the panic that followed as drivers and passengers scrambled to understand what had happened.
“I was heading toward Dhanbad when everything came to a sudden stop,” said Arvind Kumar, a truck driver caught in the jam. “It was pitch dark, and people were shouting that the road had been blocked by falling rocks.”
No casualties, but damage reported
Thankfully, officials confirmed that the landslide did not cause any deaths or major injuries. However, a few roadside stalls and boundary walls sustained visible damage, and engineers have been deployed to assess the risk of further sliding.
Residents in nearby settlements recounted the fear they experienced as the ground shook and stones crashed down. “It felt like the earth itself was giving way,” said Sunita Roy, whose home is near the affected slope.
Why this stretch is especially vulnerable
NH19 is a key corridor linking Kolkata to Delhi, passing through Asansol’s industrial and mining regions. Over the years, heavy construction, mining scars and widespread deforestation have weakened natural slopes near the highway. Experts say these man-made factors, combined with intense rainfall, make landslides like this increasingly likely.
Dr. Ananya Basu, a Kolkata-based geologist, explained, “When the soil is already disturbed from mining and tree cover is reduced, even a few days of rain can trigger dangerous slides. NH19, particularly near Asansol, is known for this kind of risk.”
Broader disruption and community response
The landslide didn’t just impact NH19. It also disrupted feeder roads into Asansol city, causing traffic snarls that stretched into the next day. Local power cuts were reported in pockets after debris damaged electric poles, though crews worked quickly to restore supply.
Residents and civic groups have renewed calls for long-term measures, including reforestation of hill slopes, better drainage planning and stricter control over construction near vulnerable areas.
Mayor Tapas Banerjee, addressing local media, assured that comprehensive inspections will be carried out. “Our priority is safety. Engineering teams are assessing the risk, and necessary reinforcements will be taken,” he said.
A wake-up call amid changing climate
The incident has sparked fresh debate among urban planners and environmentalists about the delicate balance between infrastructure growth and environmental sustainability. With climate change bringing more unpredictable and intense monsoon rains, experts warn that the frequency of such incidents could rise.
“This shouldn’t be seen as a rare accident,” said Priya Dutta, an activist based in Asansol. “If unchecked development continues, more such landslides could threaten lives and block essential routes like NH19.”
Next steps and recovery
As cleanup work progresses, the immediate focus is on fully reopening NH19 and stabilizing the affected slope. Officials have also announced plans to conduct detailed geological surveys along the highway to identify other vulnerable points.
In the meantime, commuters and residents remain cautious, especially with forecasts of more rain in the coming days. While the road is partially open, memories of a hillside collapsing onto a national highway have left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder that development without sustainable planning can carry serious risks — risks that nature can expose at any moment.
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