Chandigarh-Manali NH blocked

ibune News Service

Mandi, August 9

The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked for traffic movement between Mandi and Kullu because of landslide at Hanogi, Dwada and Banala this morning. Commuters were stuck in long traffic jam for hours on both sides of the road.

The district administration had to divert traffic between Mandi and Kullu via Katola road for a few hours until the highway was restored for traffic movement.

It had been raining heavily since Thursday night in the region which loosened the strata, making the area prone to landslides. In view of the four-laning work of the Kiratpur-Manali highway and deep excavation of the hillside, landslides between Pandoh and Aut have become a common sight.

On Thursday, a big boulder hit a pick-up loaded with apple crop near Banala on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. At the time of the incident, five people were on board. Luckily, all escaped unhurt. They were travelling to transport apple produce at nearby market yard.

Although in day time today traffic was restored on the Chandigarh-Manali highway, vehicular congestion was still reported at the site of landslides. The National Highways Authority of India and the district authorities have deployed heavy machinery to clear debris.

Mandi SP Gurdev Chand Sharma said heavy rain was being witnessed in the area since Thursday, causing landslides. He said that road has been restored for traffic movement but people have been advised to drive cautiously on this route, especially in night hours. The police are also maintaining a close vigil at key locations in the area.