Foodgrain supply to Bara Bhangal hit by rains

The consignment of foodgrains meant for Bara Bhangal, one of the remotest and landlocked valleys of Himachal Pradesh, has been stranded midway after heavy rains wreaked havoc earlier this week. Dispatched from Baijnath by the district administration as part of the annual buffer stock for winters, the supplies remain stuck at Bara Gram and Panihartoo after the mule path, the only lifeline to the valley, was extensively damaged.

Located at an altitude of nearly 14,000 feet, Bara Bhangal can only be accessed through a 60-km mule path that winds across the 17,000-foot Thamsar Pass. This route normally closes after mid-September snowfall, making the August-end deadline crucial for stocking foodgrains. However, this year only 30 per cent of the required supplies have reached the valley so far.

Reports suggest that the mule path between Khanatriu and Plachhak has been rendered impassable due to heavy landslides, soil erosion, and flash floods. As a result, the grain dispatched earlier this month is lying stranded in lower villages, unable to move further.

Baijnath SDM Sankalap Gautam confirmed that over 60 quintals of foodgrains were washed away in the Ravi during the flash floods. A government school and an Ayurvedic dispensary were also destroyed. He said repairs to the mule track were under way, while the administration was coordinating with locals to ensure essential supplies reach before snowfall seals the pass.

Ruling out an immediate food crisis, the SDM added that villagers still had adequate stock. However, in case of shortages, the administration is prepared to airlift foodgrains to the valley using helicopters.