Land Mafia Strikes Mussoorie: Illegal Mining Collapses NH-707A, Char Dham Route Closed for 25 Days

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Illegal mining in Mussoorie has caused a major section of National Highway 707A to collapse, disrupting the key route to Char Dham for an estimated 20-25 days. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.

Highway Undermined by Mining

The “Queen of Hills” has once again fallen victim to rampant land mafia activity. Early reports indicate that extensive illegal excavation near Valmiki Temple hollowed out the foundation of the highway, resulting in its sudden collapse. Officials from the administration, police, and National Highway Department rushed to the site after a portion of the road caved in Thursday evening. It is believed that JCB machines were used to cut through the hill, weakening the road’s base.

Impact on Char Dham Pilgrimage and Local Access

NH-707A is a critical route for pilgrims heading to Char Dham, as well as for reaching Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy and Camptee Falls. With the road blocked, tourists, devotees, and local residents are facing severe inconvenience. Currently, small vehicles are being diverted via Motilal Nehru Road, while heavy vehicles are using Hathipaw Road as an alternative. Authorities estimate that reconstruction of the road will take approximately 20-25 days.

Mining Without Permission

The Mining Department has confirmed that no authorization had been issued for excavation in the affected area. Despite this, large-scale digging was carried out. Sources suggest that while the area had a residential map approval, the level of excavation indicates potential preparation for major commercial construction.

Officials Promise Strict Action

Deputy Tehsildar Upendra Singh Rana stated that detailed reports have been sought from the Mining Department, MDDA, and National Highway Department. Mussoorie Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani called the deliberate damage of a national highway for private gain “extremely serious” and emphasized that strict action will be taken. SDM Mussoorie Rahul Anand added that legal proceedings will be initiated if any violations are confirmed.

Questions Raised About Oversight

The incident has sparked concerns about the unchecked activities of land mafias and administrative vigilance in the region. Locals say illegal mining had been ongoing for years without intervention, and only after the highway collapsed did the administration spring into action. With the Char Dham route now closed, tourism and local business in the area are expected to suffer significantly.