KELONG/MANALI: The Chandigarh–Manali–Leh highway has been shut down after incessant rains triggered massive landslides and flash floods in Lahaul–Spiti, leaving more than 500 vehicles stranded with thousands of tourists and locals, including children, women and elderly, stuck in hostile conditions without power, phone connectivity or medical aid.
The rains have relented. The Raging Beas River has receded. But you find highway breached at several places between Kullu and Manali between Manali and Atal Tunnel and connectivity is cut off to the Solang, Atal Tunnel and Shanag, Burua Vashisht and Rohtang Pass.
Beyond Atal tunnel in Lahaul valley thousands are stranded at several places on the Atal Rohtang Tunnel to Keylong Jispa Darcha and Leh highway.
Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul–Spiti, Kiran Bhadana, has emerged as the face of grit and leadership.
At a time when roads caved in, mountains slipped, and the valley plunged into darkness, she left behind her three-year-old daughter at home and took charge of relief operations round the clock, proving herself not just as a bureaucrat but as a symbol of service in crisis.
Officials said the district has been battered by continuous rainfall for three days, with highways blocked at several points due to falling debris and overflowing streams.
Evacuation of stranded people and supply of essentials are being attempted through narrow, risky stretches.
“It is not easy to reach people, but our teams are working day and night to ensure safety and timely medical care,” Bhadana said.
To restore the crucial highway, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has pressed its heavy machinery into operation at Pagal Nallah and other critical stretches where landslides have choked the road.
Despite bad weather, men and machines are working simultaneously to clear debris and open the route for relief movement.
Locals and stranded travelers have hailed Bhadana’s presence in the field as morale boosting, noting that despite slipping slopes and surging waters, she has been supervising every step of the operation herself.
The highway, a vital lifeline connecting Himachal with Ladakh, is likely to remain closed until clearance and restoration work is completed.
Authorities have advised travelers to avoid the route and remain patient as heavy machinery is being deployed.
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