Zojila Tunnel Geographical and Environmental Challenges
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Infrastructure
Overview
- News in Brief
- Zojila Tunnel
- Geographical and Environmental Challenges
- Significance of Zojila Tunnel
Why in the News?
The Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km-long tunnel connecting Sonamarg in Kashmir with Drass in Ladakh, has achieved a major construction milestone.
News in Brief
- The Zojila Tunnel is being built at an altitude of about 11,578 feet in the Himalayas.
- It is one of India’s most challenging infrastructure projects due to the difficult Himalayan terrain.
- Once completed, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, reducing travel disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Zojila Tunnel
- Zojila Tunnel, a 13 km tunnel, will be India’s longest road tunnel, and is expected to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.
- It will provide perennial connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country.
- The tunnel provides all-weather connectivity and also cuts travel time between Kashmir and Ladakh.
- The project is strategically important for regional development and national security.
- The tunnel is built at a cost of more than rupees 6,500 crore.
- It is expected to be completed by 2028.
Geographical and Environmental Challenges
Extreme climatic conditions
- Temperatures can fall below -30 degrees Celsius.
- Low oxygen levels affects workers and machinery.
- Harsh winters bring frequent avalanches and snowstorms.
Unstable geological conditions
- Himalayan rocks vary significantly from one location to another, even differing meter to meter.
- Engineers may encounter loose rocks, large boulders, cracks and fault zones.
- Each rock type requires a different engineering approach.
Young Fold Mountains
- The Himalayas are geologically young and tectonically active.
- Continuous mountain-building processes create instability.
- High stress zones increase the risk of rockfalls and tunnel deformation.
Water Ingress
- Melting snow and underground water often enter the tunnel.
- Excess water pressure can cause flooding or structural damage if not managed properly.
Significance of Zojila Tunnel
Economic importance
- Promotes regional economic development.
- Improves the transportation of goods throughout the year.
- Boosts tourism in Kashmir and Ladakh.
Strategic importance
- Ensures uninterrupted connectivity to Ladakh.
- Enhances military logistics and border infrastructure.
- Strengthens national security in the northern region.
Social Importance
- Provides reliable access to healthcare, education, and essential services.
- Reduces isolation of remote communities during the winter months.
Major Passes of the Himalayas
- Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir
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- Khardung La – located near Leh
- Zoji La – Kashmir to Kargil
- Banihal Pass – Located in the Pir Panjal Range, connects Jammu to Srinagar.
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- Himachal Pradesh
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- Rohtang Pass – Kullu valley to Lahaul and Spiti.
- Hampta pass – Kullu valley to Lahaul.
- Bara-lacha La – Lahaul to Leh
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- Uttarakhand
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- Mana Pass – connects Uttarakhand with Tibet
- Lipu Lekh – A tri junction for the India, China and Nepal borders.
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- Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
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- Nathu La – connects India with Tibet
- Bom Di La – Connects Arunachal Pradesh to Lhasa region in Tibet.
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UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Zojila Pass
- It connects the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region.
- It remains open throughout the year.
- Heavy snowfall and avalanches frequently disrupt transport across the pass.
- The Zojila Tunnel is being constructed to overcome these seasonal disruptions.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1,3 and 4 only
b) 1and 2 only
c) 2,3 and 4 only
d) 1,2,3 and 4
Answer: a) 1,3, and 4 only
Explanation: The pass is often closed during winter to cut travel due to heavy snowfall.
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