Manali, Aug 11, 2023-
Traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali national highway between Mandi and Kullu was blocked on Friday following massive landslides in Himachal Pradesh owing to overnight heavy rainfall, police said.
The national highway was badly damaged in the landslide that occurred near Pandoh in Mandi district. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the affected area.
The police have stopped vehicular traffic beyond Mandi towards Kullu and from Kullu towards Mandi.
The alternate road link between Mandi and Kullu via Kataula has also been hampered by the massive landslide near Kamad, official said.
The district administrations of Mandi and Kullu have advised visitors to suspend their journey on the Mandi-Kullu route until the restoration of highway. It is expected that the highway will be restored by later in the day.
Even the traffic on the Chandigarh-Shimla national highway was hampered due to landslips near Solan town.
Under the influence of active western disturbance, intense spells of precipitation is likely in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts, an official of the meteorological office told.
A government spokesperson told the Satluj, Beas and Yamuna rivers and their tributaries are in spate in Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur and Sirmaur districts. These rivers enter Punjab and Haryana.
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In the wake of recent massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, a crucial passage between Mandi and Kullu, faced temporary disruption. These natural occurrences underscore the need for resilient infrastructure and prompt response to maintain seamless connectivity, even in the face of adversity.
Impact of Landslides on Chandigarh-Manali National Highway
Unforeseen Disruption:
The Chandigarh-Manali national highway, a vital link between Mandi and Kullu, bore the brunt of massive landslides following heavy overnight rainfall. The incident, which occurred near Pandoh in Mandi district, caused substantial damage to the highway infrastructure and left numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the affected area.
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Mitigation Measures and Traffic Management
Swift Response:
In response to the disruption, local authorities took immediate action to manage the situation and facilitate traffic management. Vehicular traffic was halted beyond Mandi towards Kullu and vice versa to ensure the safety of commuters.
Alternate Routes Affected:
The alternate road link between Mandi and Kullu via Kataula was also impacted by a massive landslide near Kamad. These challenges in accessing alternative routes further emphasized the significance of proactive road infrastructure planning.
Travel Advisory and Restoration Efforts
Safety First:
The district administrations of Mandi and Kullu advised travelers to postpone their journeys along the Mandi-Kullu route until the national highway’s restoration. This precautionary measure ensures the safety of individuals and prevents any potential risks associated with the ongoing landslides.
Restoration Timeline:
Efforts are underway to restore the damaged highway. Authorities are working diligently to clear debris and reinstate the passage between Mandi and Kullu. It is anticipated that the highway will be reopened by later in the day, minimizing the inconvenience caused to commuters.
Wider Impact on Regional Connectivity
Beyond Chandigarh-Manali:
The impact of landslides extended beyond the Chandigarh-Manali national highway. The Chandigarh-Shimla national highway also faced disruptions due to landslips near Solan town, further highlighting the susceptibility of roadways to natural forces.
Weather Outlook and River Conditions
Meteorological Insights:
The landslides were exacerbated by an active western disturbance, leading to intense spells of precipitation across various districts, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur. These weather patterns necessitate heightened vigilance and preparedness.
Rising River Levels:
The government spokesperson reported that the Satluj, Beas, and Yamuna rivers, along with their tributaries, are in spate in multiple districts, including Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur. The overflow from these rivers extends into neighboring Punjab and Haryana.
Conclusion
The recent landslides and subsequent disruptions on the Chandigarh-Manali national highway serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by nature. As Himachal Pradesh strives to enhance its connectivity, it’s imperative to invest in resilient road infrastructure that can withstand such adversities. By fostering a proactive approach to infrastructure development and traffic management, we can ensure safer and more reliable journeys for everyone, even amidst the unpredictable forces of nature.
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