Himachal Pradesh Closes 285 Roads Including Chandigarh‑Manali and Manali‑Leh Highways Amid Rain Fury
The incessant monsoon rains have unleashed a torrent of devastation across Himachal Pradesh, with over 285 roads, including crucial national highways, shut down due to landslides and flash floods. This disruption has severed lifelines for residents and tourists alike, exposing the fragility of the region’s infrastructure. With essential services like power and water supply also severely impacted, the ongoing crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a more resilient and sustainable approach to development in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan state.
The sheer scale of the disruption is unprecedented, with key arteries like the Chandigarh-Manali and Manali-Leh National Highways completely impassable. In the hard-hit Mandi district alone, 175 roads have been blocked, followed by 67 in Kullu. The human toll is mounting, with a significant number of fatalities and houses damaged since the onset of the monsoon. The collapse of a crucial bridge in the ancient Malana village and a landslide that injured a person near the Pandoh dam underscore the immediate danger posed by the weather events. These incidents not only cripple the economy and tourism but also bring the daily lives of local communities to a standstill, leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
Beyond the immediate crisis, this annual devastation is increasingly viewed as a symptom of a larger, systemic problem. The relentless pursuit of infrastructure expansion, including wide-scale road construction and hydropower projects, often comes at the cost of ecological stability. Experts and judicial bodies have pointed out that unscientific hill-cutting and deforestation have made the region more susceptible to landslides and flash floods. The sheer force of the water and debris cascading down the slopes is a direct consequence of a delicate environmental balance being disturbed by unchecked human activity. The recurring tragedies serve as a sobering indictment of a development model that prioritises short-term economic gains over long-term ecological security and social equity.
In response, the government and local administration have mobilised machinery to clear blockages, but intermittent rains have hampered efforts. The state’s disaster management centre is working to restore services and provide relief to affected communities. The conversation, however, is shifting from mere disaster response to proactive, preventative measures. Proposals for an AI-based early warning system and a renewed focus on sustainable construction practices are gaining traction. This holistic approach is essential to transform the state from being reactive to a resilient model that can withstand future climatic shocks, ensuring that development is not only about connectivity but also about safety, equity, and ecological harmony for all.
