Landslide Blocks Chandigarh-Manali Highway for 10 Hours

Landslide Near Pandoh Dam Blocks Chandigarh-Manali Highway for 10 Hours

A massive landslide struck the **Kainchi Mod area near Pandoh Dam in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district** on Friday night, following intense rainfall. The incident blocked the **Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-21)** for nearly 10 hours, severely disrupting traffic until one lane was reopened on Saturday around noon.

Mandi Superintendent of Police **Sakshi Verma** said debris and stones began rolling down the hillside, prompting authorities to halt all traffic. “Work to remove the debris is ongoing. One side of the road has been opened for vehicles,” she said. However, **Volvo buses were not allowed** to pass through the affected stretch at the time of reporting.

To manage the situation, the **district administration deployed personnel and JCB machines** to clear the route. With rain subsiding by Saturday morning, partial movement resumed on the highway.

Advisory for Commuters

Travelers have been advised to **exercise extreme caution on NH-21**, especially during the ongoing monsoon season, which has triggered multiple weather-related incidents in the region.

Widespread Damage in Mandi

The Mandi district has been **severely impacted by heavy rains and cloudbursts** since June 20. So far, **15 people have died** and **27 remain missing**.

According to the **State Emergency Operation Centre**, **249 roads**, including **two national highways**, are currently affected across the state. Among them:

* NH-3 (Mandi to Dharampur via Kotli)** is closed for heavy vehicles.

* NH-21 (Mandi to Kullu)** remains **partially operational** due to the recent landslide at Kainchi Mod.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge travelers to stay updated on road and weather conditions.