Mussoorie’s Favorite Trek Turned Deadly: Jhadeepani–Rajpur Trail Still Blocked Three Months After Disaster

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: The Jhadeepani–Rajpur trekking trail, once a favorite route of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and trekking enthusiasts from across the country, remains in a dangerous and neglected state three months after the devastating disaster of September 16. Locals and tourists alike now view the historic trail with fear rather than pride.

Once a Pride, Now a Risk

The trail, celebrated for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, has been left littered with debris, collapsed sections, and hanging rocks, making every step a potential risk. “Earlier, we proudly told visitors that even the Chief Minister trekked here. Today, just looking at the path sends shivers down our spine,” said a local resident, requesting anonymity.

Tourists who once flocked to this trail now face serious hazards, and local businesses dependent on trekking tourism—guides, photographers, and tea-stall vendors—have been hit hard.

Social Activist Demands Immediate Action

Local activist Pradeep Bhandari criticized the administration for inaction, saying, “This is no ordinary trail. The Chief Minister himself has promoted it multiple times, yet not a single spade has moved in three months. Are we waiting for a major accident?” Bhandari demanded immediate debris clearance, trail repair, and protection of damaged sections to prevent further tragedy.

Officials Rely on Statements, Not Action

District Tourism Development Officer Brijendra Pandey said debris removal orders have been issued to the municipal authorities, and a proposal for trail repair has been submitted to the tourism department. Masoori Municipal Executive Officer Tanveer Marwah echoed the statement, assuring that the process will begin soon. However, locals remain skeptical: “We hear these promises every time, but the work never starts,” they said.

The Heart of Mussoorie at Risk

The Jhadeepani–Rajpur trail is more than a path—it’s the soul of Mussoorie. With the trail’s current condition, tourism is dwindling, and the livelihood of local residents is under threat. If urgent action is not taken, this historic trekking route may be lost forever.

Locals warn: the time to act is now. Delay further, and Mussoorie’s heartbeat may stop permanently.