Flash floods devastate Bada Bhangal village in Himachal's Kangra, all govt buildings swept away

Flash floods in the Ravi river have caused large-scale destruction in Bada Bhangal, a remote tribal village in Dhauladhar mountain ranges of Kangra district, washing away all government buildings and damaging critical infrastructure.

The village, situated at an altitude of 7,800 feet, is accessible only by foot through treacherous high-altitude passes. Currently, both approaches—via Thamsar Pass (4,700 metres) and Kalihani Pass (4,800 metres)—have been rendered impassable.

Mansa Ram Bhangalia, Sarpanch of Bada Bhangal, said the village has been completely cut off, with all trekking routes blocked. “More than 300 residents are stranded in the village, while at least 150 shepherds and hundreds of goats, sheep and cattle are marooned on high pastures,” he said.

The floodwaters have destroyed key government structures, including panchayat ghar, government primary and high school buildings, civil supplies store, Ayurvedic dispensary, and two bridges — one wooden and one over the Ravi river. Essential stocks of ration and medicines stored in these buildings were also swept away.

Mansa Ram warned that several houses were at risk of collapse due to severe erosion along the riverbanks, which has washed away land over a 5-km stretch. The main access route to the village has suffered extensive damage, further isolating the area.

Known for its relative inaccessibility, Bada Bhangal remains cut off for nearly six months every year due to snow and harsh weather. The village has no motorable road or healthcare facility, and access requires a three-day foot trek.

The Gram Panchayat has sought an immediate aerial survey under the Baijnath SDM and urgent relief measures, cautioning that delays could worsen the crisis as residents face acute shortages of food and medicines.

It may be mentioned that this tribal village is dominated by the Gaddi community—nomadic pastoralists who have sustained a traditional mountain lifestyle for centuries. For them, these summer months are crucial for grazing their livestock in the high-altitude pastures.

Bada Bhangal remains one of the last strongholds of Himalayan pastoralism, a centuries-old way of life that is now increasingly threatened by climate change, infrastructural neglect, and extreme weather conditions.