National Highway 313, connecting Anini in Dibang Valley with Roing in Lower Dibang Valley, has left the border district disconnected, as many stretches of the highway were hit by a series of devastating landslides in March.
There are telltale signs that the landslides are the consequence of the unscientific way of cutting into the hills for the highway. In an effort to rush before the monsoon hits and all work stops, the NHDCL has brought upon itself and commuters the same problems that the actual monsoon brings, even before it has arrived.
The Angolin, Punli-Etalin road, and Akobe have all been hit by landslides one after another at regular intervals, stranding commuters for hours, even as Madhucon company under the NHDCL has been struggling to clear the roadblocks.
Dibang Valley, the border district of strategic importance that has opened up in recent years, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the state. However, it is often shut down during the monsoon due to roadblocks caused by landslides.
Road construction agencies, in their rush, often ignore environmental concerns, leading to such consequences. While road building is important, ensuring that roads are environmentally safe and connected throughout the year is even more important.