Himachal landslide: NH 154 to reopen soon

Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh Government VC Pharka, on his visit to landslide-affected Mandi's Kotropi village on Thursday, directed to reopen National Highway (NH) 154 soon.

The state government has taken necessary measures to relocate the locals of the village to a safer place for the security reasons and has raised high alert in the surrounding villages from being affected by such landslide.

At least 46 people were confirmed killed after a massive mudslide in Mandi swept up a 150-metre stretch of road and swept away two Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses, among other vehicles on the intervening night of last Saturday and Sunday.

According to the reports, after the debris have fallen from the mountainous areas, discharge of dirty water and inflow of additional debris in the villages is expected to increase which has become a matter of concern among the villagers.

A high alert has been issued to the surrounding villages like Sarajbagla, Jagehad, Badvahan, Ropa and Sasti.

The state administration has proposed to distribute tarpaulin, blanket and other necessary items to the victims and have shifted them to the nearest government schools, community buildings and panchayat houses as rescue measures.

The villagers claimed that their livelihood has been imbalanced by these landslides as they are compelled to leave their homes, give up their animals and at times put their children in a safer place to rescue from the risk bearing situation.