Munish Sood
KULLU: Six villages in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district — Ghaliyad, Darmeḍha, Talinga, Balu, Kubni and Rounal — are facing an imminent landslide threat, with Ghaliyad in Banjar’s Tirthan Valley and Darmeḍha in Sainj marked as the most vulnerable.
In response, the district administration has decided to conduct a geological survey of Ghaliyad and Darmeḍha villages through a team of experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Banjar’s Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pankaj Sharma has confirmed that a detailed report is being prepared and will be forwarded to the GSI via the district administration for immediate assessment.
Both Ghaliyad and Darmeḍha together are home to around 30 families and over 100 residents. The survey aims to examine the soil composition and identify the underlying causes behind the gradual collapse of the hillsides looming over the villages.
The SDM’s office has confirmed that the survey will focus on the danger posed by hill slopes crumbling from behind the villages. This assessment will also help decide long-term mitigation and relocation measures for the affected families.
Two weeks of fear in Darmeḍha
For nearly two weeks, landslides have been continuously occurring from the hillside behind Darmeḍha village. The situation has left 14 families comprising approximately 60 people in a state of fear and uncertainty.
In an immediate relief measure, the administration has distributed tents to affected residents and arranged temporary accommodation at the Great Himalayan National Park Rest House in Ropa. While some families have shifted to the rest house, several others have sought shelter with nearby relatives due to space constraints.
Villagers Chet Ram and Rameshwar Thakur told this correspondent that the danger “has not gone away” and that “landslides from behind the village are continuing”.
Evacuations in Ghaliyad
The situation in Ghaliyad village of Tirthan Valley is equally worrying. Landslides have been occurring regularly from the hillside behind the settlement, putting residential houses at direct risk.
In a precautionary step, the administration has already evacuated 10 houses in the village. The displaced families have been relocated to safer locations, with tents provided for temporary shelter.
Officials say the situation is being closely monitored, with both villages receiving continuous administrative attention until the GSI survey is complete.
Banjar SDM Pankaj Sharma said: “The administration is keeping a close watch on Darmeḍha and Ghaliyad villages. Tents have been provided to the villagers and both villages will be surveyed by a team from the Geological Survey of India.”
While landslides are not uncommon in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon season, the prolonged and continuous slope movement in both Ghaliyad and Darmeḍha has raised serious safety concerns. Experts point out that unchecked slope erosion could not only damage houses but also threaten agricultural land, water sources and local infrastructure.
With these villages lying in ecologically sensitive areas — Tirthan Valley and Sainj — any structural intervention will need to balance human safety with environmental preservation.
The Geological Survey of India’s findings will likely determine whether large-scale slope stabilization, partial relocation or complete resettlement will be required for residents in high-risk zones.
