Himachal Pradesh Reopens Chandigarh Manali Highway After Landslide Disruption
Himachal Pradesh’s crucial Chandigarh-Manali highway, which had been blocked for over 24 hours due to a significant landslide at 4 Mile near Pandoh in Mandi district, has been reopened for traffic. Authorities managed to restore one-way vehicular movement on Sunday evening, providing relief to numerous commuters, including a wedding party, who were stranded on both sides of the highway since Saturday afternoon. The alternate link road via Kamand-Kataula was also impassable, exacerbating the challenges for stranded travelers.
The disruption led to a challenging night for many, with a few passengers requiring rescue operations after attempting to cross the landslide-affected hill section on foot in the dark. Mandi district, a severely impacted region, continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent heavy rains and floods. As of Sunday, 152 roads remained blocked within the district, with the highest concentration in the Seraj area. Furthermore, essential services like electricity and water supply were also significantly affected, with 68 transformers non-functional and 141 water supply schemes yet to be restored across various sub-divisions.
Across Himachal Pradesh, the broader impact of the disaster remains substantial, with a total of 196 roads still closed, 73 transformers out of service, and 787 water supply schemes disrupted, including a considerable number in Kangra district. Despite these ongoing challenges, the Mandi district administration has initiated steps towards normalcy, deciding to reopen most educational institutions in the Thunag sub-division from July 14, with a few exceptions set to reopen later. The cumulative death toll in the disaster-affected districts of Himachal Pradesh has tragically reached 98, with Mandi reporting the highest fatalities. The state has incurred an estimated total loss of approximately $770.96 crore between June 20 and July 13.
The recurring landslides underscore the need for resilient infrastructure and advanced early warning systems in the state’s vulnerable terrains. Efforts to restore essential services and facilitate smooth connectivity are ongoing, prioritizing public safety and regional recovery. Enhanced disaster preparedness is paramount for future resilience.
