Landslide Cuts Off Kinnaur from Shimla, Apple Growers in Distress

A major landslide at Negulsari on National Highway 5 has severed Kinnaur district from the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. 

The incident occurred on Thursday night, causing severe damage to a 150-300 meter stretch of the highway. While no casualties have been reported, the blockade has left countless vehicles stranded, including apple-laden trucks en route from Kinnaur.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed the extent of the damage, stating that it's impossible to traverse the affected area even on foot. 

Efforts to clear the debris have been hindered by falling rocks from the surrounding hills.

Meanwhile, apple growers in Kinnaur are facing significant concerns as the continued closure of the road could lead to their produce rotting. This region is known for its apple orchards, and the timely transportation of their harvest is crucial.

Jagat Singh Negi, the State Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister and the MLA from Kinnaur, personally inspected the site using drone cameras.

 He directed officials to arrange for the trans-shipment of passengers and goods, ensuring that those stuck on either side of the blockade can be transported via alternative means.

The Negulsari area is among the 15 prioritized landslide-prone sites in Kinnaur, out of a total of 17,120 such sites in the hill state. These incidents have been a recurring issue during the monsoon season, with 111 people losing their lives in 164 landslides across Himachal Pradesh since June 24. Rain-related incidents have claimed the lives of 263 individuals, according to the state emergency operation center.

Kinnaur alone has witnessed five landslides during this monsoon season, contributing to the 128 blocked roads still impeding traffic flow in the state. Tragically, on August 11, 2021, a major landslide at Negulsari had resulted in the loss of 28 lives and injuries to 13 others, as a Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus and several vehicles were buried under debris.

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