Shubhash Mahajan
Chamba
The district of Chamba, already reeling from the devastation caused by heavy rains, faced yet another calamity late last night when a massive landslide struck Sarol village in Upper Gholti. The incident occurred between 12:00 and 12:30 AM, when a gigantic boulder weighing well over 100 quintals rolled down the slope and crashed directly onto the roof of a house belonging to Parvinder Kumar, son of Dhiru Ram.
The Impact of the Landslide
The sheer force of the boulder was catastrophic. It smashed through the reinforced concrete roof (lenter) of the house, leaving the structure in ruins. On its way down, the boulder uprooted large trees, destroyed fields, and flattened everything in its path before landing on the house.
Fortunately, the family members who were inside at the time were in another room. Had the boulder fallen into the room they were occupying, the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy. Even so, the damage was extensive: household items, furniture, and other belongings inside the house were completely destroyed.
Immediate Response by Local Leadership
As soon as news of the incident spread, District Council Vice-Chairman Liyaqat Ali Khan rushed to the site to meet the affected family. He ensured that the local Patwari documented all necessary details and initiated the process for compensation.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Khan contacted Chamba Sadar MLA Neeraj Nair, who promptly arranged for an immediate relief of ₹25,000 to be handed over to the family.
Khan assured the victims that while the state government provides up to ₹7 lakh compensation in such cases, the paperwork required for the full relief package has already been initiated. He further stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Chamba will soon provide a relief kit containing essential supplies such as food grains, drinking water, clothing, and other necessities to help the family cope with the immediate aftermath.
Government Relief Measures
The announcement of immediate financial assistance and the promise of further compensation brought some relief to the distressed family. The Vice-Chairman emphasized that the government stands firmly with those affected by natural disasters and will ensure that the victims receive both short-term aid and long-term support.
He highlighted that the relief kit from the DC’s office would include all basic necessities, helping the family survive until permanent arrangements are made.
Community Concerns
The landslide has sparked widespread concern among residents of Sarol and neighboring villages. With the monsoon rains continuing, fears of further landslides loom large. Locals have urged the administration to take preventive measures, including monitoring vulnerable slopes and relocating families living in high-risk zones.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragile geography of Chamba district, where heavy rainfall often triggers landslides, posing a constant threat to lives and property.
A Narrow Escape
While the destruction of Parvinder Kumar’s house is severe, the family’s survival is being seen as a miracle. The massive boulder, described as “Bhima-like” in size, could easily have claimed lives had it landed in the occupied room. The family, though shaken, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of local leaders and the immediate relief provided.
Conclusion
The landslide in Sarol village underscores the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh’s hill districts to natural disasters. The swift action by District Council Vice-Chairman Liyaqat Ali Khan and MLA Neeraj Nair ensured that the affected family received immediate financial support and the assurance of further compensation.
As the monsoon continues, authorities remain on high alert, with communities hoping for stronger preventive measures to safeguard against future tragedies. For now, the resilience of the people of Chamba, coupled with the government’s commitment to relief and rehabilitation, offers a ray of hope amidst the devastation.
