Heavy rain damages many houses in Kangra district

Incessant heavy rain in Kangra district, particularly in and around Dharamsala city, has triggered landslides and damaged homes, including the collapse of a multi-storey building near the HRTC workshop on Chadi road. 

The building, which had earlier been declared unsafe, collapsed following continuous rainfall and a landslide. Debris from the structure blocked the Dharamsala–Chadi road, causing traffic disruption. 

Meanwhile, in the Shahpur Assembly constituency, a four-room slate-roof house belonging to Arjun Kumar, son of Ratna Chand, in village Dhar Chachot under Sudhed gram panchayat, was severely damaged. A cowshed was also damaged, leading to the death of 15 sheep and goats. Another house, owned by Tilak Raj, son of Om Prakash, was partially damaged in the rain.

Shahpur MLA and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, accompanied by SDM Dharamsala Mohit Rattan and other officers, visited the affected spot to review the damage and meet the victims. 

Pathania assured Kumar that a new house and cowshed would be constructed for him and that compensation for livestock loss would be provided within a week as per government norms.

The district administration has appealed residents in landslide-prone areas to remain cautious and to report any signs of structural vulnerability.

The officials said efforts were underway to clear debris and restore connectivity on the Dharamsala–Chadi road.

On the other hand, the Jammu-Jalandhar National Highway has been closed at the Dhanghu Chakki bridge as a precautionary measure following heavy rain. Both ends of the bridge have been barricaded by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab police to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

The closure has caused significant inconvenience to commuters. Long traffic jams were reported, and several vehicles, including those carrying vegetables from farmers and army convoys, were stranded. Authorities have advised travellers to use alternative routes until the situation improves.