Landslide blocks highway, damages shops in Shahpur, MLA seeks relief

A massive landslide triggered by heavy rain near Chambi in the Shahpur constituency of Kangra district severely disrupted traffic on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway-154 today. The affected road stretch near the Kangra Airport resembled a swollen hill stream as water gushed across the highway, carrying with it torrents of debris.

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However, no casualty or major property loss was reported, though several roadside shops were damaged. Local MLA Kewal Singh Pathania reached the landslide spot to oversee relief operations and ensure swift restoration of road traffic. With the help of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and heavy machinery, the road was cleared and vehicular movement resumed within hours.

This particular stretch of the NH-154 witnesses recurring landslides, especially during the monsoon season. According to local residents, the primary cause of the latest landslide is excessive rainwater diverted by a nearby water channel (kuhl). The drainage of this 'kuhl', which comes all the way from Dadhamb and Dhanotu, has allegedly been diverted due to the ongoing four-lane road construction, increasing the volume and force of water flowing downhill.

Pathania held the highway construction company accountable for the landslide stating that its negligence in managing the 'kuhl' drainage led to the current situation. “The NHAI failed to take adequate pre-monsoon precautions,” he alleged. He demanded immediate compensation for the affected shopkeepers.

Pathania also reported the matter to Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu, emphasising the urgency of preventive measures to avert such incidents in the future. The SDM, Shahpur, said that the highway had been cleared.