Palampur battles nature’s fury as streams swell & power fails

Normal life was thrown out of gear in Palampur and adjoining regions after heavy rainfall lashed the area over the past 24 hours. All rivers, rivulets and streams are in spate, raising fears of flash floods and erosion.

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Public property suffered extensive damage, with roads, water supply systems and irrigation schemes bearing the brunt. Power supply was disrupted across several areas as trees fell on transmission lines, especially in satellite areas of Palampur town. Although power was restored by 11 am, officials from the HP State Electricity Board confirmed that relentless rain hindered repair work.

Vehicular traffic came to a standstill on numerous internal roads in Palampur, Jaisinghpur, and Sulah, owing to landslides and fallen trees. The PWD cleared debris later in the day, allowing movement to resume. An advisory has been issued to tourists against travelling to Billing, as landslides have blocked the road at multiple points.

Palampur SDM Netra Meti said a control room has been set up in her office to manage the crisis. In emergencies, citizens can call 01894-230595. She confirmed that all main roads are now open, but warned locals and tourists against venturing near riverbeds, as water levels may rise suddenly due to rainfall in the higher Dhauladhar ranges.

The lower areas of Palampur were the worst affected, with overflowing rivulets damaging internal roads in Jaisinghpur, Bhawarna, Baijnath, and nearby rural zones. Water supply schemes under the Irrigation and Public Health Department also faced disruptions. In remote regions, residents crossed flooded streams to access markets, risking their lives.

No loss of life has been reported so far. To handle the situation, control rooms have also been set up at SDM offices in Baijnath, Jaisinghpur, and Dheera. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely.

Rising Sutlej threatens Sunni region fo Shimla

Shimla: Three wards in the Sunni area of Shimla district are under threat due to the continuous rise in the Sutlej’s water level. At a meeting chaired by SDM Rajesh Verma, it was highlighted that key institutions, including the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Gau-Sadan and Mokshadham, located along the riverbank, are also at risk.

Verma instructed officials of these institutions to promptly inform the administration in case of any further rise in the river to ensure timely safety measures for life and property.

He also raised concern about three suspension bridges at Jashi, Bharada, and Magaan, which link Shimla with Mandi district. The water surge poses a serious threat to these bridges, increasing the need for immediate vigilance.

Strict orders have been issued to NTPC and SJVN to continuously monitor dam and reservoir levels, and to regulate water release to prevent any flood-like situation in the Sutlej’s coastal areas.

The Jal Shakti Department has been asked to closely monitor all drinking water schemes along the river to prevent any disruption in clean water supply during the monsoon.

The SDM stressed the need for strong inter-departmental coordination, real-time reporting, and swift response to emergencies to effectively manage the situation.