A major landslide due to rainfall occurred at Ghatigad on the Manikaran–Barshaini road in Kullu district on Saturday morning. Several vehicles were badly damaged in the incident.
The driver and other occupants managed to move to safety in time after sensing danger. No injuries were reported. However, locals said they were panicked as regular landslides on this route continue to pose a serious risk to travellers.
On Thursday, an earth-mover operator also had a narrow escape on the same stretch when falling boulders struck the machine while it was clearing debris from the road.
Locals have threatened to block the road on April 30 if the administration does not take strong steps to ensure safe travel on this risky stretch. They are also seeking a Bailey bridge on Sheila Road as an alternate route.
Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur visited the landslide-prone area along with officials. He expressed relief that there was no loss of life in the incident.
He directed the departments concerned to speed up work on a Bailey bridge as an alternative route. He also stressed the need for quick approvals from the Gram Sabha and under the Forest Rights Act.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 gives recognition to rights of forest-dwelling communities and requires Gram Sabha consent for using forest land for non-forestry purposes.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain was recorded at isolated places across the state in the last 24 hours till Friday evening. The Met department has issued a yellow warning of thunderstorm and lightning for Sunday.
Slapper received 21 mm rainfall, followed by Saloni with 18.3 mm, Kukumseri 14.4 mm, Manali 9 mm, Sangla 7.8 mm, Kalpa 5.2 mm, Jot 4 mm, Sarahan 3 mm, Keylong and Bharmaur 2 mm each, and Seobagh 1.8 mm. Sundernagar, Bhuntar and Palampur also recorded traces of rain.
The Met department has also predicted a wet spell of light rain and snow at isolated places on Sunday, Monday and Friday. A yellow warning has been issued for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on Sunday.
Kukumseri recorded the lowest night temperature at 0.8°C, while Berthin was the hottest during the day with a maximum temperature of 36.7°C.
Also read: Village selects panchayat leaders by mutual consent
Follow us
