Heavy rain exposes lack of proper drainage system, revives landslide fears in Kullu

Spread the news

Kullu, July 10

Continuous rainfall since last night has brought temperatures down in Kullu but has also highlighted long-standing drainage and sewerage issues, with rainwater and sewage flowing across roads and inconveniencing residents.

Residents in Ward No. 2, Inner Akhara Bazaar, and Ward No. 4, Sultanpur, have been facing difficulties as sewer water continues to flow downhill onto public roads. Apart from disrupting pedestrian movement, the situation has revived fears of landslides following the devastation witnessed during last year’s monsoon.

According to local residents, inadequate drainage was one of the factors behind last year’s landslide in the area, which claimed the lives of 10 people. Despite the tragedy, residents allege that no permanent drainage arrangements have been put in place, leaving them anxious as the rainy season begins again.

A team from the Kullu Municipal Council visited landslide-prone locations to assess the situation and distributed tarpaulins as a precautionary measure to help minimise potential damage during the ongoing rainfall.

Municipal Council Kullu Chairperson Asha Thakur said on Friday that every effort was being made to prevent damage caused by the rains. She added that the administration was taking precautionary measures and appealed to residents to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories.

Ward No. 2 councillor Kubja Thakur said on Friday that the area had suffered significant damage during last year’s monsoon and efforts were being made in coordination with the administration to prevent a repeat of the situation. She noted that although the rainy season had only just begun, rainwater flowing across roads was already causing difficulties for residents of Akhara Bazaar.

Residents have urged the authorities to establish a proper drainage and sewerage system to prevent flooding, reduce the risk of landslides and ensure public safety during the monsoon.