Cloudburst damages Malana-1 hydropower project dam in Kullu

A cloudburst severely damaged the Malana-I hydroelectric power project dam in the Parbati valley of Kullu district yesterday. This is the second time the dam has suffered damage. Flashfloods had damaged it in August last year as well and the repair work was still underway when the cloudburst occurred on Friday.

Though no human life were lost at the dam site, flashfloods after the cloudburst caused extensive damage. Machinery, including a hydra crane, dumper, rock breaker, camper and a car involved in the repair operations, were swept away in the flashfloods in the Malana nullah. Eyewitnesses stated that the water level in the nullah rose abruptly, creating panic among workers. While they managed to escape, floodwaters submerged the equipment and vehicles, resulting in huge losses.

On August 1 last year, a cloudburst had caused the dam gates to remain shut, obstructing the release of excess water. The pressure had led to the collapse of the dam wall, causing severe damage in downstream areas. Once again, the site suffered major damage due to a cloudburst on the same day on August 1. The footbridge connecting Malana and Pohal villages was washed away, severing access to the area.

The water level in the Parbati river also rose drastically due to continuous rainfall and flashfloods, damaging several temporary bridges and triggering landslides that damaged and blocked roads in the valley. The authorities concerned have cautioned residents living near riverbanks to remain alert and avoid going to risky areas.

In Manali, a large section of the road near Nehru Kund was swept away and large cracks appeared on the road linking the Sarwari bus stand to the Bhootnath bridge. Pedestrian movement across the Duffdumber bridge in Bhuntar was halted after a pillar of the bridge developed cracks. Elsewhere, a footbridge at Gadiyada in the Lug valley was washed away in flashfloods in the Sarwari rivulet. The link road to Bhumteer village was damaged and a footbridge at Maror village in the Sainj valley was destroyed. A portion of the Darka-Bhuntar road was also damaged due to heavy rain.

The power infrastructure in the district has also taken a severe hit, as over 100 transformers are non-functional. Also, 67 roads are blocked due to landslides and debris. At Ghaliad village in Banjar subdivision, 10 houses were declared unsafe following a landslide.

The local administration evacuated 49 members of 16 families to tents in safer areas. Relief supplies, including 16 ration kits, five tents and 12 canopies, were distributed to the affected families.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said that 101 power transformers had been damaged and numerous roads were blocked. The Public Works Department (PWD) teams were actively engaged in clearing debris and restoring road connectivity.

She said that the district administration was closely monitoring the situation and all departments were on high alert. “In view of the situation, all citizens are requested to take shelter in safe places during emergencies and inform the administration immediately so that timely relief can be provided to them,” she added.