Landslide Threat Rises at 17 of 22 Vulnerable Locations in Himachal; Mandi District Tops the List

Shimla, June 30:
With relentless rainfall continuing across Himachal Pradesh, the risk of landslides is growing increasingly severe. According to the “Landslide Monitoring Daily Report” issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre on June 30, out of 22 identified sensitive locations in the state, 17 are currently under “High” or “Very High” risk.

The report highlights key monitored locations in the districts of Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, and Solan. In Mandi, the popular tourist destination Prashar has been flagged at a “High” risk level. All nine peaks from Girphan Peak-1 to Peak-9 are also under “High” threat. Sanarli-2 has been rated at a “Moderate” level of risk.

In Kangra, Sandhol has been issued a “Very High” warning, while Dharamshala and the Kangra Colony area are both under “High” threat. In Shimla district, Jatogh and Dagshai have also been classified under the “High” risk category. The reassuring news is that all monitoring systems at these sites are active and functioning. Experts caution that the saturated soil in hill regions due to persistent downpours has made slopes unstable, making landslides likely at any time.

The report notes that landslide risk is comparatively under control in Baldun (Nurpur) in Kangra, Kotropi in Mandi, and Sanarli-2. No immediate threat has been observed in Kotropi, a site that had witnessed a tragic landslide a few years ago, resulting in multiple casualties involving vehicles and passengers.

This year, the monsoon arrived earlier than usual in Himachal Pradesh and has already caused extensive damage in the last ten days of June. According to a report released by the State Disaster Management Authority, rain-related incidents between June 20 and 30 have claimed 44 lives, left 82 injured, and 5 people missing.

Among the casualties, 21 deaths occurred in road accidents, 8 due to flash floods, 6 from being swept away by fast-moving water, 4 after falling from hills, 2 from lightning strikes, 2 from snakebites, and 1 from other causes.

Cloudbursts have been reported in the Kullu, Kangra, and Rampur regions of Shimla district. Kangra has been the worst affected, with 8 fatalities caused by flooding and water surges. The intense rainfall and landslides have inflicted severe damage not just to human life but also to livestock and property.

In just ten days, 83 livestock animals have perished. Thirty-five houses have been damaged—9 completely destroyed and 26 partially. Additionally, 8 shops, 26 cowsheds, and one traditional watermill (gharat) have been lost to the rains.

The monsoon has also caused extensive damage to public and private infrastructure. The Jal Shakti Department has reported losses amounting to ₹38.56 crore, while the Public Works Department has suffered damages worth ₹34.72 crore. In total, the state has so far incurred a loss of ₹75.69 crore due to the monsoon.