Supply of grains to Bara Bhangal stuck

Ravinder Sood

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PALAMPUR, July 15

The consignment of foodgrains (buffer stock for winters) dispatched to Bara Bhangal from Baijnath by the district administration has been stuck at Bara Gram because of extensive damage caused to the mule path following heavy rain Monday and Tuesday. Mule path is the only link to the landlocked valley.

Bara Bhangal, situated at a height of 14,000 feet, has been cut off after the collapse of bridges on way to the valley. Reports reaching here said now the mule path had also been washed away at many points because of heavy rain and flash floods.

To reach Bara Bhangal, one has to cross Thamsar Pass, a peak at a height of 17,000 feet. This peak closes after snowfall in mid-September. Therefore, before this, the supply of foodgrains had to be delivered to the valley.

The foodgrains to the valley are sent through 60-km mule path every year between June 15 and August 31. This year only 30 per cent grains has reached the valley.

The foodgrains dispatched from Baijnath last month were lying at Bara Gram and other villages as mules could not move further because of heavy landslides and soil erosion between Khanatriu and Plachhak.

Mansa Ram, panchayat pardhan, Bara Bhangal, said he had requested the DC Kangra to ensure restoration of the mule path and reconstruction of bridges. He said if timely action was not taken, over 600 persons living in Bara Bhangal would face ration shortage.

However, SDM, Baijnath, said he was aware of the situation and had initiated steps to restore the mule path and bridges at earliest.