Garhwal MP Anil Baluni Narrowly Escapes Landslide on Badrinath Highway

Sept 2025 : Garhwal BJP MP Anil Baluni had a narrow escape on the Badrinath National Highway near Devprayag when a sudden landslide sent heavy debris cascading in front of his convoy during a visit to disaster-affected areas.

The incident took place while Baluni was returning to Rishikesh after inspecting flood and landslide-hit regions in Chamoli and Rudraprayag. As his convoy approached Devprayag, the MP noticed signs of a landslide and stopped his vehicle. Stepping out, he cautioned others, but within moments a massive section of the hillside gave way, forcing him and his team to run back to safety.

Baluni later shared the harrowing experience on X, posting a video of the collapse. “The severe cloudburst and landslides in Uttarakhand this year have left deep scars that will take years to heal. Yesterday evening, I witnessed a terrifying landslide in a disaster-hit area. This scene itself reflects the grave natural calamity Uttarakhand is enduring,” he wrote.

He added: “I pray to Baba Kedarnath for the safety, health, and prosperity of all. In this hour of disaster, I salute the dedication of officials, NDRF-SDRF personnel, the administration, and the workers who are clearing debris despite extreme challenges.”

The video shows large chunks of rock and soil crashing down just meters ahead of Baluni’s convoy, highlighting the scale of the danger. Observers noted that a tragedy was narrowly avoided.

Uttarakhand has been reeling under relentless monsoon disasters this year, with cloudbursts and torrential rains triggering widespread landslides, road blockages, and casualties across several districts.

Meanwhile, officials confirmed that at least 10 people remain missing after heavy debris swept through Nanda Nagar’s Kuntari Lagafali area and Dhurma following Thursday’s cloudburst. Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and Public Works Department, supported by JCB machines and other equipment, have been deployed to clear debris and carry out rescue and relief operations.

The repeated natural calamities have underscored the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, prompting renewed calls for stronger disaster preparedness and sustainable development measures in the state.