Himachal Pradesh Reopens Chandigarh Manali Highway After Landslide Disruption
Himachal Pradesh is once again battling severe disruptions as massive landslides have repeatedly blocked the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, just four miles before Mandi. After over 29 hours of initial clearance efforts, the critical route was forced to shut down again following two fresh landslides overnight and early morning. These recurring incidents are directly attributed to persistent rainfall that has significantly weakened hill slopes in the Char Mile area, making the terrain dangerously fragile and causing continuous debris flow, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded and hindering vital supply chains to upper Himachal regions.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed machinery for clearing operations, but the sheer volume of debris has severely delayed road restoration. Thousands of vehicles, including tourist cars, public buses, and heavy cargo trucks, are currently stuck in various regions such as Aut, Pandoh, and Balh. This extended closure is particularly impacting truck drivers and the transport of essential goods to tourist destinations like Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul. Alternative routes via Gohar-Pandoh and Kamand-Kataula-Bajaura are proving unfeasible, deteriorating rapidly due to a combination of heavy rain and excessive traffic, further isolating affected areas.
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted more heavy rain in the next 24 hours, raising the threat of additional landslides. The four-mile stretch near Mandi has become a recurrent danger zone during monsoon seasons, posing ongoing risks to both residents and tourists. Experts highlight that rapid and unscientific road construction, coupled with fragile Himalayan geology and deforestation, has exacerbated the vulnerability of these slopes, leading to more frequent and severe disruptions. Authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow real-time updates for safety.
The continuous landslides on crucial routes highlight the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and sustainable development practices in vulnerable mountain regions. Prioritizing geological stability and climate adaptation measures is essential for protecting lives, safeguarding tourism, and ensuring consistent connectivity. Such events underscore the critical importance of balancing development with environmental preservation.
