Hit by landslide, car catches fire on Manikaran-Barshaini road
Another vehicle was completely destroyed after it caught fire when it was hit by debris of continuous landslides at Ghatigad on the Manikaran-Barshaini road on Saturday. According to reports, the driver had little time to react as boulders rolled down the hillside and struck the vehicle, damaging it extensively. The vehicle subsequently caught fire. No injuries to anyone were reported in the incident but it caused anxiety to locals and commuters.
This incident comes close on the heels of two near-fatal accidents. Two days ago, a JCB machine operator narrowly escaped death when heavy boulders crashed onto his machine engaged in clearing debris at the same location. Earlier, on the night of April 6, another car driver had a miraculous escape when a landslide hit his vehicle in the Ghatigad area.
Frustrated by repeated landslide incidents and administrative inaction, residents of the Manikaran valley have issued an ultimatum. They have warned the local administration of resorting to a ‘chakka jam’ (road blockade) at the Hathithan Chowk in Bhuntar on April 30 if immediate and concrete measures were not taken to secure the road stretch. “We have run out of patience,” said Aman, a local resident. “First a car, then a JCB machine and now another vehicle on Saturday. How many close calls will it take before a life is lost?” he added.
The Ghatigad road stretch has remained highly vulnerable to landslides since 2023. The road, an essential link to popular tourist destinations such as Tosh, Pulga and Kheerganga, remains shut two to three times a week, severely disrupting movement. Locals have long been demanding a permanent solution to the problem, including the construction of a Bailey bridge to bypass the most hazardous road portion.
Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, accompanied by administrative officials, visited the affected site in Barshaini panchayat on Friday. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he directed the authorities concerned to expedite the construction of an alternative route by installing a Bailey bridge along the Sheila road.
He emphasised the need to fast-track gram sabha approvals and clearances under the Forest Rights Act. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd has assured people of providing machinery support, while funds under the Local Area Development Authority (LADA) will be utilised for the restoration work.
The MLA instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the district administration to avoid delays and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for both residents and tourists. PWD officials urged commuters to exercise caution while travelling on this road stretch. However, with the April 30 deadline approaching, public anger is mounting, and the demand for immediate, decisive action is growing louder.
