In a proactive measure to prevent potential loss of life and property, the Kandhamala district administration has announced a complete ban on vehicular traffic along the picturesque but vulnerable Kalinga Ghat for September 23 and 24.
Kandhamala District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni issued the warning following severe weather advisories from the Regional Meteorological Centre. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression, making landfall around September 22 and triggering torrential downpours across southern Odisha.
Precautionary Measure Against Landslide Risks
The decision to close the National Highway route connecting Phulbani to Berhampur stems from past disaster experiences. In September 2025, heavy rains triggered by a low-pressure system led to massive landslides on Kalinga Ghat, sweeping down torrents of mud and floodwaters from the surrounding hills. That disaster paralysed traffic along the key arterial road for 47 consecutive days.
To prevent a similar crisis as heavy rains loom over the region, District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni has advised commuters and transport operators to strictly avoid the stretch.
“Given the forecast of torrential rainfall on September 23 and 24, vehicular movement through Kalinga Ghat will remain completely suspended for safety. All citizens and commuters are requested to cooperate and plan their travel accordingly,” official sources noted.
Local administrations across Kandhamala remain on high alert, with emergency response teams deployed to respond to any waterlogging or road blockages in hill pass areas.
