Shimla, May 28: A significant landslide near Jahalma Nala in the Lahaul Valley has caused severe disruptions. The landslide from the Derki Hill has completely blocked the Sansari-Tindi-Tandi road. The Jahalma Bridge is also at risk due to falling debris. Large boulders have been tumbling down for the past two days, trapping hundreds of vehicles on both sides.
The ongoing landslide poses a challenge for local authorities and the Border Roads Organization (BRO). The risk of damage to the bridge has increased as rocks continue to fall from the hill above. In light of safety concerns, the administration has closed the entire route to all types of vehicles.
The road closure has severely impacted freight and passenger vehicles heading towards Pangi, Tindi, and Udaipur. Long queues of heavy vehicles have formed on both ends of the road. Many truck drivers have been stranded for over 24 hours, awaiting the reopening of the route.
Kiran Bhadhana, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, and the Sub-Divisional Officer visited the site to assess the situation. They instructed BRO officials to expedite the road restoration efforts. BRO teams are working swiftly to clear debris and open alternative routes. The administration has stated that the road will be reopened for light vehicles soon, but ongoing rockfalls are complicating the work.
Local residents and travelers have urged the administration to restore safe passage immediately. Some travelers are risking their safety by attempting to cross the Jahalma Nala on foot.
One stranded traveler, Satish Kumar, shared, “We were transporting cement. After traveling all day, we reached here only to find the road blocked by falling rocks. The situation is critical for larger vehicles. The administration has assured us that some relief may come by tomorrow evening, but nothing is certain yet.”
Another traveler expressed concern about the bridge’s safety, stating, “We are stuck in the woods, and our food supplies are running low. The administration mentioned that smaller vehicles could be cleared by tomorrow evening, but larger ones may take 10 to 15 days.”
Currently, the Jahalma Bridge and its surrounding area are under constant threat. BRO and district administration are closely monitoring the situation. If the landslide subsides, there are plans to gradually reopen the road. The high-altitude roads of Lahaul-Spiti and adverse weather conditions often lead to such incidents.
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