Heavy rainfall triggers landslides, damages houses in Kangra district

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

The building, which had earlier been declared unsafe, gave way following continuous rainfall and a landslide in the area. Debris from the collapse blocked the Dharamsala–Chadi road, causing traffic disruption.

Meanwhile, in Shahpur Assembly constituency, a four-room slate-roof house belonging to Arjun Kumar, son of Ratna Chand, was severely damaged at Dhar Chachot village under Sudhed gram panchayat area.

The landslide also damaged a cowshed, leading to the death of 15 sheep and goats. Another house, owned by Tilak Raj, son of Om Prakash, was partially damaged in the rains.

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

Pathania assured Arjun Kumar that a new house and cowshed will be constructed for him. He further announced that compensation for livestock loss, as per government norms, will be provided within a week.

Meanwhile, the district administration has appealed to the residents in the landslide-prone areas to remain cautious and report any structural vulnerabilities immediately. The officials said efforts were underway to clear debris and restore connectivity on the Dharamsala–Chadi road at the earliest.

The Jammu-Jalandhar National Highway has been closed at Dhanghu Chakki bridge as a precautionary measure following heavy rain. Both sides of the bridge have been barricaded by Himachal and Punjab police to ensure safety.

The closure has caused a lot of inconvenience to commuters, with long traffic jams reported on the route. Several vehicles, including those carrying vegetables from farmers and army convoys, were stranded due to the blockade. Authorities have advised travellers to use alternative routes until the situation improves.