Dehradun, July 25, 2013: Tunnels will be promoted in landslip zones and other vulnerable spots in Uttarakhand to ensure year-round traffic.

Making the announcement after a review meeting here on Wednesday, Union Surface Transport Minister Oscar Fernandes said there would be no dearth of funds for reconstructing roads and bridges damaged in flash floods and landslips last year. He said officials should ensure that constructions comply with safety guidelines.

The Centre had also sanctioned a second tunnel parallel to the one at Dat Kali on the Dehra Dun-Delhi Highway, he said.

Alternative roads

Chief Minister Vijay Bahugunja pressed for alternative roads to the higher Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib.

Mr. Bahuguna apprised Mr. Fernandes that the Kedarnath Temple was being cleared of debris by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee and efforts were on to resume puja there at the earliest. Heavy excavation equipment was being sent to Kedarnath to remove heavy boulders, debris and damaged buildings from the temple complex. The bodies buried under the debris, if recovered, would be cremated after post-mortem and collection of DNA samples, he said.

Weather permitting, efforts were being made to restore the roads to Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath on a war-footing so that Yatras to these shrine could be re-started by September 30, Mr. Bahuguna said.

Source: The Hindu, July 25, 2013