Chamba (Rajeeb Sharma): Severe monsoon showers have disrupted road connectivity in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district after fresh landslides blocked key stretches of the Pathankot–Bharmour National Highway (NH-154A). The highway was rendered impassable following repeated rockfalls near Batti Hatti and Durgethi, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded on both sides of the route.
Officials said relentless rainfall since Saturday night loosened the hill slopes, causing mud, rocks and boulders to crash onto the highway. As debris continued to fall intermittently, authorities suspended vehicular movement to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Long queues of vehicles, including Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses, private buses, taxis and personal vehicles, were seen waiting for the road to reopen. Passengers travelling between Pathankot, Kangra, Chamba and Bharmour have been among the worst affected by the disruption.
Road restoration has also been hampered by the unstable weather, with fresh landslides occurring even as officials prepared to clear the highway. Authorities said machinery would be deployed as soon as weather conditions become safe enough for operations.
While some travellers expressed concern over delays in reopening the road, officials maintained that emergency equipment had already been stationed at strategic points along the highway due to the ongoing pilgrimage season and would be pressed into service immediately once the risk of further rockfalls subsides.
In view of the Red Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Bharmour administration has also suspended the Shri Manimahesh Yatra for two days. Officials said the decision was taken to safeguard pilgrims as forecasts indicate continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across the region.
The district administration has prohibited travel on all pilgrimage routes until weather conditions improve. Pilgrims have been advised to postpone their journey and wait for fresh instructions from authorities.
Officials have warned that strict action may be taken against anyone attempting to violate the restrictions. Residents and tourists have also been urged to avoid travelling through landslide-prone areas, refrain from venturing near rivers or mountain slopes, and regularly monitor weather updates.
Authorities said the situation is being reviewed continuously, and efforts to restore normal traffic and resume the pilgrimage will begin once the weather stabilises and the affected stretches are declared safe.
