Breach in Mirpur-Kotli Highway; cracks continue enlarging: Officials.

MIRPUR [AJK] -- Life-threatening cracks have developed in a big portion of Mirpur-Kotli highway close to the periphery of Mangla dam's reservoir, causing frightening of the local population of the area including travelers of any major untoward incident if the erosion continue enlarging.

Mirpur Deputy Commissioner Ch. Amjad Iqbal has directed the diversion of heavy traffic moving to and from Mirpur for Kotli and others major towns through the alternative Band Road root passing along the Mangla-dam reservoir.

The District administration has also advised all the concerned stake-holder departments including AJK highways, police, MUST geographical department and other agencies to remain alert and vigilant to deal with any eventuality in case of continuation of the breach. The State Highway Department, has, meanwhile, been advised to starting repairing the highway discouraging the enlargement of the breach and erosion at the busiest highway.

After visiting the affected portion of the Mirpur Kotli Highway at the site of Dhairi Choudhriyan township, along with the senior officials of the administration and the concerned departments, Mirpur Deputy Commissioner Ch. Amjad Iqbal told reporter here on Friday that the breach followed by harmful cracks were found developed in the high way at Dhairi Chaudhriyan site on Mirpur Kotli Road, about 6 km from Mirpur city.

The highway was immediately closed for heavy traffic. However, the light traffic has been allowed to continue with extremely low speed at the affected site, the DC said adding that the Mirpur Highway Department has been directed to start repairing the affected portion of the road with the...