Schoolgirls Rescued from Swollen Stream Near Dharamshala

Trapped in Chungi Nala while returning home

Dharamshala, Kangra District – A group of schoolgirls narrowly escaped tragedy on Thursday evening after being trapped in the swollen Chungi Nala near Sudher Chungi, following heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of Dharamshala.

The girls, all students of the local government middle school, were on their way home when rising waters left them stranded midstream. With remarkable courage and coordination, local villagers managed to rescue them using ropes and ladders.

“It’s a miracle the girls are safe. The situation could have turned far worse,” said Vipin, who was part of the rescue effort. “We’ve been raising this issue for years, but nothing has been done.”

The rescued girls belong to about ten families living along the Narghota side of Chungi Nala under Kajlot Panchayat, an area that, along with Sudher Panchayat, has suffered heavy losses during this monsoon. Despite repeated appeals from villagers for a bridge over the nala, no progress has been made.

Kajlot Panchayat Pradhan Dev Dutt said that the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) has stalled the project, since land on both sides of the stream is privately owned. “There are six to seven such small streams across the village. While they may appear harmless, during heavy rains they become dangerous and even life-threatening,” he explained.

Rekha Devi, Pradhan of the neighboring Sudher Panchayat, voiced concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall, which has caused large-scale erosion and landslides. “This monsoon season has been unprecedented, with rainfall causing widespread destruction,” she said.

The crisis has been compounded by the repeated closure of the main road connecting Sudher, Gharo, and Chari villages to Dharamshala, which has remained blocked for nearly a month due to landslides. Local residents are now urging the government to take immediate action to construct a bridge over Chungi Nala to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, who risk their lives crossing it every day.