Kullu: Continuous heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has triggered a major landslide in Banala, leading to the closure of the Chandigarh-Manali Highway. Restoration work is currently underway, officials said.
The relentless downpour in Kullu district has caused portions of the highway to be washed away, with the Beas River flowing above the danger mark.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi for today and tomorrow, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. A Yellow Alert has also been issued for August 28 in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, and for August 29 in Shimla and Mandi. An Orange Alert has been issued for August 30–31 in Mandi, Shimla, and Solan, with Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla also expected to receive heavy rainfall on August 31.
The situation in Kullu has become critical. According to Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, parts of the district are being evacuated as river levels continue to rise.
“Due to continuous rainfall, the National Highway has suffered damage at multiple locations. Water levels are extremely high. I urge everyone to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors,” she said.
She added that NH-3 has been badly damaged at Bindu Dhank, with waterlogging reported in the bus stand and damage to businesses near Bahang. “Mining link roads have also been disrupted. The situation remains serious with an Orange Alert in effect,” she added.
The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway remains closed between Pandoh and Aut in Mandi district for the past three days, leaving hundreds of cargo vehicles stranded. Perishable goods, including vegetables, are rotting due to the delay, prompting urgent appeals from drivers for the highway to be reopened.
Truck driver Gurvinder Singh, who has been stuck for four days, said, “I came from Amritsar heading to Kullu-Manali. The roads are in terrible condition. Despite paying ₹260 in toll tax, no help or communication is coming from the authorities. We’ve been told it could take another two to three days.”
Another driver, Bablu Thakur, echoed the frustration. “We’ve been stranded here for days. Our homes are also being affected by the floods. The condition of the roads is deplorable, and the rivers are dangerously swollen,” he said.
Drivers also complained about the lack of food and shelter, saying the administration has made no arrangements. “Sometimes, dhaba owners feed us, and at times, volunteers from langars provide water,” Thakur added.
