HomeLatestChandigarh Manali Highway Blocked For 10 Hours After Landslide Hits Mandi

Chandigarh Manali Highway Blocked For 10 Hours After Landslide Hits Mandi

The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been fully reopened to traffic, a temporary relief after a 10-hour block caused by a significant landslide near Pandoh Dam. This latest incident, which paralyzed movement on a critical artery, underscores the mounting challenges faced by key transport routes in the Himalayan region during the monsoon season. The recurring disruptions highlight the urgent need for a strategic, long-term approach to infrastructure development that can withstand the increasingly severe impacts of a changing climate, ensuring sustainable and equitable access for all.

The landslide occurred late on Friday night at Kainchi Mod following a spell of heavy rain, causing a cascade of debris and stones to block the highway. Swift and decisive action by the district administration, which deployed earth-moving machinery, was instrumental in clearing the road. After a strenuous 10-hour operation, one lane was opened to vehicles, though restrictions on heavy vehicles like long-distance buses remained in place as a safety precaution. This swift response is a testament to the dedication of relief teams, but it is a recurring cycle that demands a more resilient solution.

The Kainchi Mod incident is not an isolated event but a part of a larger and more devastating narrative unfolding across the region. Since June 20, the district has borne the brunt of multiple cloudbursts and landslides, which have not only caused widespread damage to infrastructure but have also taken a severe human toll. A recent report from the State Emergency Operation Centre paints a grim picture, with 249 roads, including two national highways, affected. The human cost is particularly tragic, with 15 lives lost and 27 people still unaccounted for, a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in this fragile ecosystem.

The frequent disruption of these highways poses a significant threat to the region’s economic stability. The Chandigarh-Manali route is not merely a road; it is a lifeline for local commerce, tourism, and essential services. The recurring closures disrupt supply chains, impact the livelihoods of millions dependent on the tourism sector, and impede access to healthcare and other critical resources. This makes the issue of resilient infrastructure a central pillar in the mission to build a gender-neutral and equitable society in the hills, where a reliable transport network is fundamental to the well-being and prosperity of its residents.

While the immediate reopening of the highway is a commendable effort, the long-term solution must focus on developing infrastructure that is both eco-friendly and robust enough to withstand future climatic events. This requires a shift from reactive repairs to proactive, sustainable engineering solutions that respect the delicate Himalayan environment. The incidents in Mandi serve as a powerful catalyst for change, urging a collective commitment to build safer, more resilient, and truly future-proof transport links for the benefit of all.

Also Read :Surat Tapi River Bridge Near Kamrej Closed For Month Amid Urgent Repairs

Chandigarh Manali Highway Blocked For 10 Hours After Landslide Hits Mandi
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