Haldwani, Feb. 1 -- Fresh cracks have appeared on a major road near the Tallital Daanth intersection in Nainital, triggering concerns over landslide and infrastructure safety in the lake city, officials aware of the matter said, adding that an investigation has been launched. The development has alarmed residents and authorities with the peak tourist season around the corner. Nainital witnessed similar incidents in the past. Cracks had appeared on the Lower Mall Road in 2018 and again in 2025, damage from which is still under repair. Officials said several small and large cracks have recently developed on the road surface at the Tallital Daanth intersection. It is yet to be ascertained whether the cracks are confined to the surface mastic layer laid last year or extend deeper into the road structure. "If the cracks widen or deepen, it could pose a serious risk to the city," said a senior Public Works Department (PWD) official, adding that a detailed technical investigation has been initiated. Nainital witnesses heavy tourist inflow throughout the year, especially during summer, when an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors enter the city daily. To manage congestion, police restrict vehicular entry nearly eight kilometres before the town and operate shuttle services. The latest cracks have appeared above the British-era dam that holds back the lake's water, further heightening concerns among experts and locals. PWD executive engineer Ratnesh Kumar Saxena said seasonal changes were likely responsible. "After the widening of intersections in October last year, a mastic layer was laid to fill joints. These cracks appear to have developed due to contraction during winter," he said....