Chandigarh-Manali highway blocked as Beas runs amok

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 23

The Chandigarh-Manali highway remained blocked for hours after the water level rose in the Beas, submerging a portion of the road near Dwada in Mandi district on Sunday.

Heavy rain in the upper parts of Kullu district spelt chaos in the area.

Moderate to heavy rain lashed several places in the past 24 hours. The authorities have issued an alert and have warned residents not to venture near the river and rivulets. Water was released from the Larji and Pandoh dams, which increased the water level of the Beas at Aut. The district administration has urged people not to go towards the Beas for the next two to three days, which is flowing above the danger mark.

Mandi Deputy Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal said at Dwada, the riverwater flooded the Chandigarh-Manali highway. The traffic had to be halted for an hour. In the evening, the riverwater level rose again, forcing the authorities to stop the movement of vehicles for some time. Meanwhile, Manali in Kullu district received the highest rainfall at 127.4 mm, followed by Dharamsala (125.2 mm), Una (124.2 mm), Gagret (118 mm), Jogindernagar (115 mm), Sujanpur (112 mm), Bharwain (110 mm), Nadaun (104 mm), Baijnath (97 mm) and Kangra (97.5 mm).

Shimla recorded 47.1-mm rain. Weathermen have predicted heavy rain and snow in the upper hills till September 24.

Water released from Larji, Pandoh dams

• Water was released from the Larji and Pandoh dams, which increased the water level of the Beas at Aut. 
• The district administration has urged people not to go towards the river for the next two to three days, which is flowing above the danger mark.
• In the evening, the water level rose again, forcing the authorities to stop the movement of vehicles for some time.