Relentless Rains Spark Landslides in North Bengal, NH-10 Shut Down

Quick Summary

• Incessant rains in north Bengal caused landslides on August 29, 2025, leading too the closure of National Highway 10 (NH10), which connects sikkim and West Bengal.
• All transport on NH10 has been rerouted, disrupting daily commutes between hill towns.
• Restoration work is underway; no casualties or injuries have been reported from the landslide area.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts but reduced it to a yellow alert as rains subsided slightly.
• Rains have affected multiple parts of West Bengal,including kolkata,but major calamities outside the northern region remain absent.
• IMD predicts rainfall will reduce significantly across West Bengal between September 1-4.
• The southwest monsoon has led to heavy rains causing recurring landslides and blockages in north Bengal this season, including an earlier collapse of a tunnel slope on August 5 near an under-construction railway line in Kalimpong district.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The closure of NH10 highlights north Bengal’s vulnerability during heavy monsoons due to frequent landslides and infrastructure challenges amidst arduous terrain. While no casualties were reported this time, ongoing weather conditions disrupt critical transportation links like NH10 that are crucial for economic activity and connectivity between Sikkim and West Bengal.

Efforts by authorities to conduct timely restoration work reflect responsiveness to sudden calamities; however, broader infrastructural resilience remains key for such high-risk regions prone to annual monsoons. Additionally, projects such as the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line need stringent safeguards against adverse weather impacts given their role in enhancing connectivity with Sikkim.

Recurring seasonal disruptions underscore the importance of enhanced forecasting mechanisms paired with climate-proof planning for vital routes like NH10-a proactive approach could mitigate risks while preserving livelihoods of affected communities reliant on these connections.

Read more: The Hindu