The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The Mandi-Kullu National Highway in Himachal, which has been severely impacted by heavy rains and the swollen Beas, is unlikely to be reopened for traffic on Monday (July 10, 2023). Despite efforts to restore the route, incessant rainfall and rockfalls hindered the restoration work.
The Bajaura-Kataula-Mandi road is also closed at multiple locations. As a result, thousands of tourists and local residents are stranded in the Mandi-Kullu region. Tourists have sought shelter in hotels, dhabas and the homes of local residents, while many spent Sunday night inside their vehicles.
The movement of tourists has been halted at Aut, Nagwai, Bajaura, Kullu, Mandi, Balh, Nerchowk and Sundernagar. The stranded people have faced significant hardships, enduring a challenging night. The road has been closed at multiple points between Mandi and Kullu up to Pandoh.
Mandi ASP Sagar Chandra Sharma has cited the ongoing rainfall as a major obstacle in the road restoration work. It is now anticipated that the national highway will only be reopened tomorrow.
The closure of the Mandi-Kullu NH has resulted in the shortage of essential goods in Kullu district and its surrounding areas. All goods vehicles have been halted in Mandi, impeding the supply of milk, curd, bread, medicines, ration, gas cylinders and fuel beyond the Mandi and Kullu regions.
In light of the continuing threat posed by the Beas, the administration has evacuated 113 houses along its banks. Many of these houses have been already inundated. Sixty persons have been evacuated in Pandoh, 10 in Ghraan, 12 in Khaliyar Purani Mandi, 25 in Bhuly, and six in Paddal.
