Landslips disrupt traffic on Chandigarh-Manali highway

Tribune News Service
Mandi, August 27

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The Chandigarh-Manali highway, which had been opened to traffic after being blocked last night due to landslides in Mandi district, was closed this evening again.

Landslips were reported at Hanogi, Dwada and near Aut in the district, which blocked the traffic at several places between Mandi and Kullu on this highway. A large number of vehicles stuck in long traffic jams.

Similarly, the Pathankot-Mandi highway was also blocked near Bijni just a few kms away from Mandi town due to a massive landslide, blocking the traffic. Besides, an alternative route between Mandi and Kullu via Kataula was also blocked. As many as 42 roads were blocked in the district of which 23 roads had been opened, while restoration work was under way on 19 rural roads.

The heavy rain damaged 1,413 water supply schemes in Mandi district. The work was on to repair the schemes.

There were reports that five cowsheds and five kucha houses were damaged in the district.

Additional District Magistrate Shrawan Manta said the Chandigarh-Manali highway and the Pathankot-Mandi highway had been opened.

“The heavy rain has caused loss of around

Rs 10.5 crore to public and private property in the district. People are advised to stay away from water bodies,” he said.

In Lahaul-Spiti, the Shakoli-Mityar road was blocked to traffic due to increase in the water level of the Shakoli rivulet. The Tandi-Killar route had also been blocked since last night due to increase in the water level of the Jungle rivulet.