Uttarakhand landslides hamper Mussoorie road access and tourism

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered repeated landslides and slope failures across Uttarakhand, closing portions of the vital Dehradun‑Mussoorie highway. The 35‑km mountain corridor, which serves millions of visitors to the hill station, was temporarily shut after a fresh landslide near the foothills, with traffic resumed only after debris removal and temporary stabilization.

Tourism authorities report that Mussoorie attracted 2.13 million visitors in 2024, a sharp rise over the previous year, underscoring the economic stake of safe access. The Public Works Department has engaged the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, which has identified several high‑risk sites and recommends stronger drainage, runoff diversion, and slope‑stabilisation measures. Experts also cite broader environmental pressures, noting that unchecked development, deforestation, and encroachment on waterways have intensified flood and landslide hazards in the region.

Officials emphasise that improved drainage and stricter enforcement of land‑use rules are essential to protect both residents and the tourism‑dependent economy.