3 Hisar varsity students were among six killed in Manikaran

Three unidentified persons, who were among six persons killed after an uprooted tree fell on them at Manikaran in Kullu district, have been identified as Manish of Hisar, Gulshan of Hansi and Deenta of Bareilly, all students of Om University, Hisar. The other three deceased, who had been identified earlier, were Varshini from Bengaluru, Reema from Manikaran, and Sameer Guran from Nepal.

Six persons, including three women, were crushed to death, while six others were injured as a big tree uprooted due to a landslide and fell on the road opposite to the Manikaran Gurdwara yesterday. The injured hail from Bengaluru, Assam and Hisar. Besides, several vehicles parked there were damaged in the incident.

Kullu MLA Sunder Singh inquired about the well-being of the injured persons at the Kullu hospital today. He directed the authorities concerned to provide free medical treatment to the injured. He commended the swift response of all teams involved in the rescue efforts.

Kullu SDM Vikas Shukla said that an instant relief of Rs 10,000 each was provided to the injured persons and Rs 25,000 each was provided to the family members of the deceased yesterday. He added that additional compensation would be provided to the families of the victims, according to the provisions of the relief manual.

The SDM said that while the administration actively worked to remove illegal encroachments, challenges remained in curbing unauthorised structures. He added that encroachments in the Manikaran valley were cleared a couple of months ago but commercial greed persisted and these returned soon. “A kiosk damaged in the incident was also a case of encroachment. People continue to encroach on vulnerable areas for profit, recklessly endangering the lives of unsuspecting visitors,” he added.

Meanwhile, residents of Kullu district have mourned the loss of lives and expressed concern over recurring disasters caused by unstable terrains in the region. This incident underscored the urgent need for preventive measures in areas prone to natural calamities.

The local residents have voiced growing concern over the dangers posed by encroachments and poorly regulated constructions in ecologically-sensitive areas. They believe stricter enforcement of regulations and proactive measures are essential to safeguard lives and preserve the region’s fragile environment.