Mandi, Kullu district administrations pull off a miraculous rescue

In a remarkable display of human determination and administrative coordination, the Mandi and Kullu district administrations successfully facilitated the safe transfer of a critically injured patient through a landslide-ravaged Kiratpur-Manali highway, turning a perilous situation into a shining example of humanity and efficiency.

This morning, a major landslide struck the Akhara bazar area of Kullu district, injuring three members of a family. Among them, a 32-year-old man sustained serious head injuries and was referred from Kullu Hospital to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur. The primary challenge was navigating the severely damaged Manali-Kiratpur four-lane highway due to continuous rainfall and multiple landslides en route.

In response to an urgent appeal by the patient’s family, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Ravish and Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan coordinated efforts to ensure the patient’s safe passage. With the highway near Aut completely blocked due to a fresh landslide, the task of creating a passable route for the ambulance became a race against time.

Under the supervision of Balichowki SDM Deviram and Sadar SDM Rupinder Kaur, the Mandi administration launched a swift operation to clear the debris. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), along with other departments, deployed JCBs and heavy machinery to remove the blockade. Backup ambulances were stationed at critical points to transfer the patient if needed and alternate routes were simultaneously explored.

Navigating along the swelling Beas and through highly sensitive landslide-prone zones like Ddawa and Kainchi Mod, the ambulance was provided with a virtual ‘green corridor’ to speed up its movement. Despite the challenging terrain and the loss of three JCB machines during the operation, the patient was safely transported through Mandi and onward to Bilaspur by afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan praised the collaborative spirit of the teams involved and emphasised that saving every life remains the top priority of the state government and local administration. He expressed gratitude to all officers, workers, NHAI personnel and machine operators whose relentless efforts turned a crisis into a coordinated rescue success.

This operation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when human resolve meets administrative will — even nature’s fury can be overcome to save a life.