Villages in Seraj Cut Off Since September 2; Road, Power, and Water Supplies Still Disrupted

Locals claim neither the district administration nor the state government has taken meaningful action.

Nearly two dozen village panchayats in the Bali Chowki–Gadagushaini region of the Seraj constituency have been completely cut off from essential services such as electricity, water, roads, and mobile networks since September 2.

Despite repeated appeals, local residents allege that neither the district administration nor the state government has intervened effectively.

Former village council head Raju Thakur stated that the affected panchayats include Khauli, Thachadhar, Jufarkot, Ghat, Boong Jahal Gad, Thata, Khalwahan, Sudharani, Khuhan, Kanda, Khani, Devdhar, Mani, Panjai, Bali Chowki, Som Gad, Baagi Banwas, Thachi, Basoot, Murah, Gagan, Kau, Khahri, Kholanal, Koon, Kashaur, Kuklah, and several others.

He added that due to extensive infrastructure damage, these villages have been partially or entirely cut off from the rest of the region.

“Heavy rainfall and landslides have blocked and damaged major roads, disrupting transportation. With the apple and vegetable harvest season underway, farmers are suffering significant losses as they are unable to transport their produce to markets on time,” he explained.

“Due to the absence of road access, patients—especially pregnant women and the elderly—are being carried on temporary stretchers and chairs over several kilometers, as there are no ambulances or vehicles available. This has created a serious medical emergency in the area,” he added.

Thakur further warned that essential food supplies are beginning to run low in these remote areas. “If this issue is not resolved within the next 5–7 days, local residents fear that the situation could turn dire,” he said.

He mentioned that he has submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner in Mandi outlining the demands of the affected communities.