Landslide halts traffic on NH-520 in Odisha’s mining belt Sundargarh

Incessant rain under the influence of a low-pressure system has triggered a major landslide in the Koida mining region of Sundargarh district, sources said on Tuesday.

Vehicular movement was disrupted on NH-520, which is considered the lifeline of the mining economy.

Also Read: Rain-triggered landslide severs connectivity to 3 panchayats in Odisha’s Similipal

According to sources, due to persistent rain caused by a low-pressure system, a landslide has occurred in the Koida mining region of Sundargarh, Odisha. The incident, which occurred near Toda locality along the Rajamunda-Koida stretch of the national highway (NH-520), has severely impacted traffic movement.

This particular stretch of highway is often referred to as the lifeline of the region due to its significance in transporting minerals and supplies.

The downpour caused heavy boulders and loose soil from the nearby hill to tumble down onto the road. Water from a drainage channel above a mine has further saturated the area, turning the road surface red with mud and debris.

On the previous night, vehicular movement along the Rajamunda-Koida route came to a complete halt due to the landslide. Of particular concern is a developing crack in the guard wall at Chunaghati on the highway.

Gradual sliding of trees, rocks, and soil from the hill continues, increasing the risk of further collapse and creating dangerous conditions.

Local administration is expected to take urgent measures to clear the debris and assess structural damage to the road and nearby infrastructure.

No comments were received from NHAI authorities or local administration in this regard.

Earlier in another incident, a major landslide occurred near Mahurabhandar locality in the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary of Mayurbhanj district following continuous heavy rainfall on Sunday, disrupting road connectivity in the region.

The landslide blocked the Jashipur-Gudgudia road, effectively cutting off access to three panchayats near the sanctuary.

As a result, residents in these areas were left isolated, with no immediate road connectivity available. The incident came to the fore late Sunday night.
Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, along with the Deputy Director of North Similipal, had visited the site to assess the situation firsthand.