Papum Pare district authorities have ordered landowners to remove debris that caused a mudslide on National Highway 415 a few kilometres from the Donyi Polo International Airport. The slide, triggered by extensive earth‑cutting near the highway, blocked the road for several hours and left many vehicles stranded.
The administration identified three major sites where the highway was damaged. Two private individuals and a gas‑pipeline agency have been instructed to clear the debris, with officials warning of legal consequences if they fail to comply. Landowners have mobilised workers and machinery to remove the material, but rainfall continues to bring new debris from the hills.
The incident has drawn criticism of the Papum Pare and Itanagar Capital Region administrations for failing to control illegal earth‑cutting along the route. Techi Taka, GPC of Hollongi, reiterated that a blanket ban on earth‑cutting is in place and urged land purchasers to seek permission from local panchayat leaders before undertaking any such activity.
In addition to clearing the highway, officials are working to protect the road near the airport’s entry point, which is at risk of erosion. District administrators, PWD highway engineers and panchayat leaders are present on the ground, monitoring progress and ensuring the road is restored safely.
