Part of Lower Mall sinks into Naini lake

Nainital, August 19 

A major portion of Lower Mall Road in Nainital caved in and slid into the Naini lake, disrupting traffic in the popular hill station in Uttarakhand.

SDM Abhishek Ruhela said a 25-metre-long and two-metre-wide portion of the road collapsed into the lake on Saturday. However, it caused no harm to any vehicle or passerby, he added.

Rain over the past few days in Nainital could be the cause for the cave in, officials said.

The incident occurred at 5.30 pm prompting Ruhela, Tehsil Magistrate K K Arya and Circle Officer Vijay Thapa to rush to the site. Now Upper Mall Road is bearing all traffic load. Traffic on this road was not earlier allowed between 6 pm and 8 pm, but the authorities decided to throw it open to vehicles after the incident.

Executive Engineer, PWD, CS Negi said the repair of the damaged part of the road would take about six months to one year. Commissioner, Kumaon Division, Rajiv Rautela said all departments and the officials concerned had been directed to take immediate steps to start the repair work. — PTI