Kangra dist admn sounds alert; NDRF, SDRF teams deployed

The Kangra district administration has sounded an alert following a red warning for heavy rainfall on Tuesday and directed all field officers to remain on duty to ensure effective disaster management.

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said all Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars have been asked to stay in the field for prompt relief and rehabilitation measures. “No laxity will be tolerated in disaster management work,” he said after reviewing the situation on Monday evening.

The water level of the Beas river is being monitored regularly in coordination with Pong Dam authorities, he said, adding that the NDRF and the SDRF teams have been deployed in Indora subdivision to handle any emergency. The administration has urged people to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe places.

All educational institutions, including government and private schools, colleges, universities, technical institutes and Anganwadi centres, will remain closed on August 26 due to the red alert.

The revenue officers have been directed to provide immediate relief to the affected families, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner has advised residents to report emergencies, if any, to the toll-free disaster management helpline 1077, which is operational round the clock.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar, ADM Shilpi Bekta and all SDMs attended the review meeting virtually.

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Bus services affected

As many as 231 bus services were affected in Kangra and Chamba due to heavy rainfall continuing for the past couple of days.

According to transport department figures, a total of 778 bus services were scheduled for Monday in Kangra and Chamba districts of which 159 were suspended, 29 were held up en route and 43 curtailed.

The Chamba district reported the maximum disruptions, with 105 services suspended and 21 en route held up, bringing the total affected services to 132.

The Dharamsala unit faced 30 suspensions out of 116 scheduled services, while Nagrota Bagwan saw 21 services impacted, including 16 curtailed trips. Joginder Nagar reported 21 affected services, largely due to curtailed operations.

The Pathankot depot recorded 13 disruptions, mainly from curtailed and suspended services, while Baijnath and Palampur reported 10 and 4 affected services, respectively.

The officials attributed the widespread disruption to continuous heavy rains and landslide threats on several key routes in Kangra and Chamba districts.