GILGIT: The relevant authorities on Tuesday started feasibility study to construct an alternative route opposite to the highly vulnerable Tatta Pani section of the Karakoram Highway to avoid frequent blockade of the artery due to landslides.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan had directed the works department to prepare a feasibility within three days to build a high-quality road from Dharan to Raikot area along the right bank of the Indus River, thus bypassing the landslide-prone Tatta Pani area, according to a press release.

The chief minister said a steel suspension bridge would be installed in Dhadan area till an RCC structure was built to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

The CM also directed the planning department to convene meetings of relevant forums for early execution of the project.

Following the directives, a joint team of planning and development and works department and Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Manage­ment Authority visited Tatta Pani on Tuesday, according to a notification.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2021