People living along Manji river in Dharamsala fear flash floods

Tribune News Service

Lalit Mohan

Dharamsala, July 21

A flash flood in the Manji river in Dharamsala last year had left a trail of destruction. Many private buildings and government infrastructure were damaged. Those living on the banks of the river are fearful that another flash flood may occur during the current monsoon season.

They say that the flood last year had left rendered many private buildings and other infrastructure along the riverbanks vulnerable. People are requesting the government to go in for canalisation of the Manji river to save private land and properties.

Suresh Thakur, a resident Bagli area, says that due to the flash flood last year, the river has changed its course at many points. The depth of the river has increased at certain places, rendering useless many “kuhls” used for irrigation purpose by people living along the riverbanks. The government should canalise the river to prevent damage to private land and properties in the event of flash floods.

Sources say that the Irrigation and Public Health Department has sent a proposal of Rs 95 crore to the Union Ministry for Water Resources for canalising all major rivers in the Dharamsala area. However, no funds have been received so far.

Superintendent Engineer, IPH, Deepak Garg, says that a proposal was sent to the government regarding funds for the canalisation of all major rivers passing through Dharamsala city. Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, Nipun Jindal, says that the river course has been tamed at many places with the use of heavy machinery to ensure minimum damage to public and private properties in the event of floods. He adds that Rs 1 crore has been given after flash floods for the construction of retaining walls around private properties and the maintenance of “kuhls”.

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