Mandi and Kullu Administration Carry Out Daring Rescue on Landslide-Hit Kiratpur–Manali Highway

In a remarkable display of human resolve and administrative coordination, the district administrations of Mandi and Kullu successfully evacuated a critically injured patient from the landslide-devastated Kiratpur–Manali highway, turning a life-threatening crisis into a shining example of efficiency and compassion.

Earlier today, a massive landslide struck Kullu’s Akhara Bazar area, injuring three members of a single family. Among them, a 32-year-old man suffered severe head injuries and was referred from Kullu Hospital to AIIMS Bilaspur.

The biggest challenge lay in navigating the badly damaged Kiratpur–Manali four-lane highway, which had been crippled by multiple landslides amid relentless rain. Acting on the family’s urgent appeal, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Toral S. Ravish and Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apurav Devgan worked in close coordination to ensure the patient’s safe passage.

When a fresh landslide near Aut completely blocked the highway, clearing a route for the ambulance became a race against time. Under the supervision of SDM Balichowki Deviram and SDM Sadar Rupinder Kaur, the Mandi administration launched an emergency clearance operation.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), working alongside district teams, deployed JCBs and heavy machinery to clear the debris. Backup ambulances were stationed at key points, while alternate routes were scouted in case of further blockages.

The ambulance was given a “green corridor” through highly sensitive landslide zones, including the banks of the swollen Beas River and stretches like Dadawa and Kainchi Mod. Despite the destruction of three JCBs during the operation, the patient was successfully transported via Mandi and reached Bilaspur safely by afternoon.

DC Devgan praised the spirit of teamwork, emphasizing that saving every life remains the state government and administration’s highest priority. He thanked officers, staff, NHAI personnel, and machine operators whose tireless efforts turned a looming disaster into a coordinated rescue triumph.

This operation stands as proof that when human determination meets administrative willpower, even nature’s fury can be overcome in the fight to save lives.