Kapkot in Bageshwar hit by recurrent landslides, roads blocked

Bageshwar: Kapkot region in Bageshwar was severely impacted by ongoing landslides causing widespread disruption. For the past three days, large boulders have been falling continuously, leading authorities to close the Kapkot-Karmi motor road to ensure public safety. The landslides, which began early Saturday, brought all vehicular and pedestrian movement to a halt.The administration rerouted traffic via an 80-km alternative road, while teams from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) assisted stranded individuals, helping many escape on foot through forest paths.Tanuj Tiruwa, a local resident, expressing frustration, said, "The shutdown of Kapkot-Karmi road is causing major distress, especially for those commuting for work. Many have had to take leave."Narendra Baghri, another resident from Baghar, highlighted dangers posed by falling boulders. "The entire Pindar Valley has been affected by this road closure. While an alternative route is available, what should be a short trip now takes hours," Baghri said.The landslides have left over 100 vehicles stranded. The SDRF has been conducting rescue operations, escorting people out of the danger zone via jungle paths. Efforts to clear the road are being hampered by continuous fall of debris, according to the district disaster management department.The Kapkot-Pindari road near Gasi has been blocked for 72 hours. After visiting the affected area, district magistrate Ashish Bhatgain ordered temporary closure of the road for public safety, assuring that once landslides subside, debris will be cleared and traffic will resume.