Saurabh Van Vihar submerges in Neugal

Ravinder Sood

PALAMPUR September 24

A cloudburst in the Dhauladhars on Sunday night destroyed the famous tourist resort Saurabh Van Vihar, spreading over 100 acres, three km from Palampur on the right bank of the Neugal rivulet. The resort was constructed in the memory of martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia, who sacrificed his life in the Kargil war.

Reports said around 8 pm, a cloudburst was reported in the higher reaches of the Dhauladhars which flooded the Neugal and damaged the resort. However, no loss of life had been reported.

The flood water entered the Saurabh Van Vihar at 10 pm and destroyed it. Besides, the flood water also damaged six buildings, including fish aquarium which was inaugurated last year by MP Shanta Kumar. However, the statue of the Captain Saurabh Kalia was saved.

The police received calls from care takers of Saurabh Van Vihar, who were trapped. The police were rushed to the place and saved them.

Rock garden, built by son of Nek Chand, buildings, a restaurant, fish aquarium, entry gates and booking window in Saurabh Van Vihar have been destroyed. The loss caused to the resort has been estimated at Rs 30 crore.

Local environmental groups have urged the state government that there will be no justification in the reconstruction of Saurabh Van Vihar as the site is prone to floods. They advised the government to rebuilt the resort at a new destination.