Munish Sood
Mandi
A major landslide along the banks of the Beas River in Kullu district’s Banderol area has triggered panic after a luxury riverside hotel and an adjoining structure suffered partial damage due to continuous soil erosion. The multi-crore property now faces an imminent threat of collapse, with local residents urging immediate evacuation as a precautionary measure.
The incident comes amid an intense spell of unseasonal rainfall that has lashed Himachal Pradesh over the past five days, creating monsoon-like conditions and causing widespread damage across multiple districts. Earlier, a bridge collapse was reported from Chamba, while fresh incidents of destruction continue to emerge from Kullu and Mandi.
Road Infrastructure Severely Hit
The persistent rainfall has significantly disrupted road connectivity in the region. A crucial stretch of the Left Bank Highway connecting Kullu and Manali has subsided near Aleo, posing serious risks to vehicular movement and commuter safety.
In Mandi district, damage has been reported along the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, where a retaining wall near Jagar Nala collapsed again on Wednesday despite having been recently reconstructed. The collapse has damaged nearly 30 metres of the roadway. Officials have warned that if the remaining portion of the structure gives way, it could endanger at least half a dozen nearby houses.
Snowfall in Higher Reaches, Winter Chill Returns
While lower areas continue to receive heavy rainfall, higher reaches of the state have witnessed fresh snowfall. Areas near the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang reported snowfall, resulting in slippery road conditions and prompting authorities to issue advisories for cautious driving.
The combined impact of rain and snowfall has led to a sharp dip in temperatures, with April weather resembling peak winter conditions typically experienced in December and January.
Relief Likely as Weather Improves
A brief improvement in weather conditions was observed on Thursday, with clear skies reported in several parts of the state. The Meteorological Department has forecast largely clear weather over the next five days, providing a crucial window for authorities to assess damage and undertake restoration work.
The administration remains on alert, closely monitoring vulnerable areas, while residents in high-risk zones have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.
