Chandigarh-Manali highway among 61 roads restored in Mandi

As many as 61 roads, including the crucial Chandigarh-Manali highway, were restored for vehicular traffic in Mandi district today. As many as 254 roads were blocked due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the district yesterday.

The Chandigarh-Manali highway, which was blocked at 4 Miles, 9 Miles and near the Jogni Mata temple between Mandi and Kullu, was reopened after 15 hours.

However, connectivity still remains a challenge in several areas, as 193 roads are blocked. According to data obtained from the District Emergency Operation Centre, Seraj is the worst affected division where 75 roads are still blocked. Other areas where roads are blocked include Thalaut (35), Karsog (27), Dharampur (23), Mandi division-2 (17), Padhar (11), Sundernagar (2) and Gohar (1).

The residents of Mandi city are also grappling with water scarcity due to extensive damage caused to the supply infrastructure in landslides. A total of 58 water supply schemes have been disrupted (17 in Thunag, 12 in Karsog, 10 each in Mandi and Baggi, six in Padhar and three in Sundernagar). The authorities concerned have mobilised teams to assess damage and initiate temporary supply measures.

On the power front, the situation is relatively better. Electricity supply has been restored in most parts of the district. However, 45 transformers are still non-functional. Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board teams are actively working to repair and replace damaged transformers.

Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, said that the relief and restoration work was underway on a war footing. “Our teams are working round the clock to restore essential services and ensure that normalcy returns to the region as soon as possible,” he added.