Faulty nullah channelling blamed for flood havoc in Chamba's Sultanpur

Residents of Sultanpur locality in Chamba town have blamed faulty channelling of a nullah for the devastating floods that struck the area on September 2 following heavy rain. The floodwaters wreaked havoc, causing widespread destruction to private property, industrial units and disrupted essential services.

The sudden deluge, which hit the locality early in the morning, brought along large quantities of debris and boulders. Many houses were inundated, several vehicles were swept away and numerous others were severely damaged. Drinking water supply lines in the area were also snapped, adding to the residents’ woes.

According to locals, the floods were not merely the result of the rain, narrowing and diversion of the nullah’s natural course aggravated the situation. They alleged that the Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC) had carried out the channelling work a few years ago. Originally around 12 feet wide, the nullah was allegedly reduced to eight feet at several points and at some stretches even narrower. “The executing agency altered the natural course of the nullah, ultimately leading to the current disaster,” said a resident.

Industrial units in the Sultanpur industrial area bore the brunt of the calamity, suffering extensive damage. Losses to private property are also estimated to run into crores, though an official assessment is yet to be made.

Residents have urged the government to learn from this tragedy and ensure that future development projects do not compromise natural drainage systems. “The authorities must avoid altering or squeezing the natural course of streams to prevent further disasters,” locals added.

Meanwhile, the district authorities have begun damage assessment and restoration of essential services, though the fear of more rain continues to haunt the affected families.