The recurring landslides near the Jahalma Nullah have posed a challenge for the local administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The risk of damage to the bridge has heightened due to stones falling from the hillside situated directly above it.
लाहौल-स्पीति में भूस्खलन: जाहलमा पुल क्षतिग्रस्त, पांगी समेत इन जगहों का कटा संपर्क
Continuous heavy landslides are occurring from the Darki hill, situated near the Jahalma stream in the Lahaul Valley. As a result, the Sansari-Tindi-Tandi road route has been completely shut down. The Jahalma bridge also faces an imminent threat. For the past two days, large boulders and debris have been continuously tumbling down from the hillside, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.
The persistent landslides near the Jahalma stream have posed a significant challenge for both the local administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The risk of damage to the bridge has heightened due to stones falling from the hill situated directly above it. Prioritizing safety, the administration has closed the entire route to all types of vehicular traffic.
The road closure has had the most severe impact on cargo and passenger vehicles heading toward Pangi, Tindi, and Udaipur. Long queues of heavy vehicles have formed at both ends of the road. Many truck drivers have been stranded for over 24 hours, anxiously awaiting the reopening of the route.
Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana and the Sub-Divisional Officer visited the site to assess the situation. They issued directives to Border Roads Organisation officials to expedite the restoration of the road. BRO teams are working rapidly to clear the debris and open an alternative route. The administration has stated that the route for light vehicles is expected to be restored soon; however, ongoing stonefalls at the site are hampering the progress of the work.
Local residents and travelers have urged the administration to immediately restore safe passage. Many travelers, risking their lives, are attempting to cross the Jahalma stream on foot.
Satish Kumar, a stranded traveler, recounted, “We were transporting cement. We reached this spot after traveling all day. This morning, stones fell from the hillside, blocking the road. The situation is particularly difficult for heavy vehicles. The administration has assured us that we might see some relief by tomorrow evening, but nothing is certain yet.” Another traveler remarked, “The bridge is at risk of being damaged. We are stranded amidst the forests. Food and supplies are also running low. The administration has stated that smaller vehicles could be evacuated by tomorrow evening, whereas it may take 10 to 15 days for larger vehicles.”
Currently, the Jahalma bridge and the surrounding area remain entirely within the danger zone. The BRO and the district administration are maintaining constant vigilance. A plan is in place to reopen the road in a phased manner, provided the landslide subsides. The high-altitude roads of Lahaul-Spiti, combined with adverse weather conditions, frequently give rise to such incidents.
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