A sudden flashflood caused by rapid glacial melt at Jahalma Nallah has once again severed road connectivity between Lahaul and Pangi in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul-Spiti district. The temporary road constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road was washed away on Monday, leaving several villages isolated and raising concerns over the transportation of vegetables and cash crops during the peak harvesting season.
BRO's Temporary Road Destroyed
The temporary road had been built by the BRO just a few weeks ago after a massive landslide damaged the bridge over Jahalma Nallah. It served as an alternative route while the agency prepared to construct a permanent Bailey bridge at the site. However, a sudden surge in water discharge due to accelerated glacial melting in the higher reaches swept away the temporary road, bringing all vehicular traffic to a standstill.
To assist stranded residents, the BRO initially installed a temporary footbridge (puliya) across the swollen nallah. But as water levels rose sharply during the day, the structure became unsafe for use. Authorities later set up a temporary zipline facility to help residents cross the turbulent stream while restoration work continues.
Concerns for Farmers and Horticulturists
The road closure has caused anxiety among farmers and horticulturists who are currently harvesting vegetables and other produce for dispatch to markets outside the region. Growers fear that prolonged disruption of road connectivity could lead to significant financial losses if their produce fails to reach markets in time.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana has directed the BRO and the district administration to take immediate steps to restore the road and ensure that the hardships faced by local residents are addressed without delay.
District Administration Responds
Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana visited the affected site at Jahalma Nallah to review the situation and inspect restoration work by the BRO. She instructed BRO officials to undertake repair work on a war footing to reopen the road for vehicular movement at the earliest. The DC said restoring connectivity is the district administration's top priority, especially during the ongoing harvest season, as uninterrupted road access is vital for transporting vegetables and other cash crops to markets.
Bhadana also directed the Public Works Department to extend full support to the BRO by deploying available machinery and manpower to expedite restoration work and make the alternative route operational as quickly as possible.
Preventive Measures Ordered
To minimise the risk of similar incidents, Bhadana instructed the Divisional Forest Officer to prioritise the dressing and channelisation of Jahalma Nallah. These preventive measures would help safeguard the temporary route until the Bailey bridge being constructed by the BRO is completed.
Officials from various departments, BRO representatives, and local residents were present during the inspection. The district administration has directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination to restore connectivity at the earliest and minimise inconvenience to the public.
Landslide Blocks Shimla-Manali Highway
In a separate incident, the Shimla-Manali National Highway remained blocked for nearly two hours on Tuesday evening after a landslide near the Chakkar area triggered massive traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to commuters. No loss of life or property was reported. The landslide brought debris crashing onto the highway, blocking a major portion of the road and leading to long queues of vehicles on both sides. Police and district administration teams rushed to the spot and launched restoration work. The debris was cleared and traffic resumed after about two hours. Police have advised commuters to exercise caution while travelling on the highway, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.
