Schoolgirls rescued from swollen rivulet near Dharamsala

A group of schoolgirls was trapped in a swollen rivulet following heavy rainfall at Sudher Chungi near Dharamsala in Kangra district last evening. The girls, all students of local Government Middle School, were returning home when were trapped midway in the Chungi Nala, which was in spate following heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of Dharamsala.

It was only through the courageous and coordinated efforts of local villagers that the girls were rescued with the help of ropes and ladders. “It’s a miracle that the girls are safe. But what had things gone worse. We’ve been raising this issue for years,” said Vipin, who took part in the rescue efforts.

The girls belong to about 10 families residing on the Narghota side of the Chungi Nala within Kajlot panchayat, which, along with Sudher panchayat, has seen extensive damage this monsoon season. Though villagers have been for years demanding the construction of a bridge over the Chungi Nala, no action has been taken.

Dev Dutt, pradhan of Kajlot panchayat, said that there had been no progress on the issue in the absence of a no-objection certificate (NOC), as the land on both banks was owned by private parties. “The entire village has six or seven such rivulets having only basic ramps. These become dangerous, even deadly, during heavy rain,” he added.

Rekha Devi, pradhan of neighbouring Sudher panchayat, raised the alarm over the increasing frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall, which had caused massive soil erosion and subsidence. “Heavy rainfall this monsoon season has been unprecedented and has caused extensive damage,” she said.

To make matter worse, the main road connecting Sudher, Gharo and Chari villages to Dharamsala has remained blocked for nearly a month due to recurring landslides. Locals are now demanding immediate government intervention for the construction of a bridge over the Chungi Nala to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, who risk their lives while crossing it.