Chamba: Continuous heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides along the Pathankot–Bharmour National Highway (NH-154A) on Sunday, forcing authorities to suspend traffic after large sections of the road were blocked by rocks and debris. The disruption has left hundreds of passengers stranded, while the administration has temporarily halted the Shri Manimahesh Yatra in view of the deteriorating weather conditions.
The worst-affected stretches were reported near Batti Hatti and Durgethi, where repeated landslides caused massive amounts of mud, stones and boulders to tumble onto the highway. Falling debris from surrounding hills continued throughout the day, making restoration work difficult and unsafe.
Traffic on the route has remained suspended for several hours, with long queues of vehicles building up on both sides of the highway. Several Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses, private coaches and passenger vehicles travelling between Pathankot, Kangra, Chamba and Bharmour have been stranded, causing inconvenience to commuters and tourists.
The persistent rainfall has complicated road-clearing operations, as fresh rockfalls have continued even after earlier debris was removed. Officials said machinery could only be deployed once conditions became safe for workers.
Some local residents claimed that immediate restoration efforts were delayed despite the highway being blocked overnight. However, officials from the concerned department stated that heavy equipment had been positioned at regular intervals along the route because of the annual Manimahesh pilgrimage and would be used as soon as weather conditions permitted.
Meanwhile, the Bharmour administration has suspended the Shri Manimahesh Yatra for the next two days following the Red Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Authorities have prohibited movement on all pilgrimage routes during this period, citing the heightened risk of landslides, flash floods and road collapses. Pilgrims have been advised not to attempt the journey until weather conditions improve.
The administration has warned that anyone violating the restrictions may face legal action. It has also appealed to residents, visitors and devotees to avoid non-essential travel, stay away from vulnerable hillside areas and follow official advisories issued by the district administration and the Meteorological Department.
Officials said restoration work on the national highway will begin on priority once rainfall subsides and the threat of further landslides reduces, with the safety of travellers and rescue personnel remaining the foremost concern.
