Manali-Leh NH blocked after landslide at Nehru Kund

Our Correspondent

KULLU, SEPTEMBER 16

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) got down to the task of restoring the Manali-Leh highway which was blocked due to a massive landslide at Nehru Kund in Manali last night. A massive boulder and debris fell on the road blocking the road. However, there was no major loss due to the incident.

The vehicles were stuck on both sides of the road. However, light vehicles were diverted through the alternative route via Buruwa to Palchan. The heavy vehicles were queued up and remained stuck overnight. The BRO started the job of restoring the road in the morning.

The 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) Commander Colonel Uma Shankar said drilling and blasting of the boulder was being done. He said the boulder was massive. If the boulder breaks by the evening, then the debris will be cleared in the night. However, if more blasting is required, then it will be done tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the Chandigarh-Manali highway was restored in the morning which was blocked due to a landslide near Aut in Mandi district yesterday. Vehicles remained stuck overnight.

The landslides have become frequent on the Mandi-Aut stretch due to excavation of hills for the ongoing four-laning project. Experts stated that retaining walls should be made after excavation to avoid the landslides.