Landslide blocks Chamba-Holi Road, shooting rocks continue to pose threat

Chamba, August 28

The threat of landslides and shooting rocks on the Chamba-Khardamukh-Holi Road near Suhaga continues to be a matter of concern. Recent rains have caused another major landslide that has completely halted vehicular movement in the area and rendered dozens of villages inaccessible. A cement-laden truck got caught amidst the falling rocks, at the place of occurence of the landslide near Khardamukh. The vehicle was left hanging precariously off the road. Fortunately, the truck did not topple down the slope.

The landslide, which occurred on Tuesday night, stranded buses and other vehicles plying from Holi to Chamba.

Many pilgrims traveling via Holi-Kalah to the Manimahesh pilgrimage have had to take alternate routes through Bharmour and Hadsar due to the road closure.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has stationed machinery at the site to remove the debris. However, the constant risk of rocks falling from the top of the hill has made it difficult to clear the road. However, the authorities are continuing their efforts to restore traffic flow. The road closure has disrupted the supply of essential goods like vegetables, milk, eggs, and bread to the Holi region. “Khardamukh has once again been hit by a landslide, blocking the road. Efforts to restore the road are going on, but the danger of rocks and landslides continues to hinder our work. As soon as the risk subsides, we will reopen the road for vehicular traffic,” said PWD Assistant Engineer Bhan Chand Thakur.

This is the same spot where a previous landslide severed Holi’s connection to the district headquarters for nearly two months from April to June. After extensive efforts by the PWD and a hydropower company, the road was reopened but the threat of falling rocks and landslides persists. Administration authorities and the PWD are advising drivers and the public to exercise extreme caution while passing through this hazardous area.