Torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh: Schools closed in most districts, water released from Larji Dam

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Chamba and Kangra, while an orange alert remains in effect for Kullu and Mandi. Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Una are under a yellow alert, with the monsoon expected to persist until September 1.

D C Rana, Special Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, said that almost all districts have been impacted by torrential rain. “Educational institutes in most of the districts will remain closed today. Water level in Pong Dam is rising due to heavy inflow from catchment areas; surplus water may be released within the next two days. Public advisories have been issued urging people to stay away from rivers, seasonal rivulets, and nullahs,” he said.

Watch:

In the past two days alone, 47 permanent and 98 temporary houses have been damaged. Additionally, 79 shops and 91 cowsheds have been destroyed. So far this monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses worth Rs 2,394 crore, with 306 fatalities reported between June 20 and August 25. Landslides, flash floods, and accidents have left 367 people injured, while 38 remain missing.

Water released from Larji Dam, Pong Dam nears capacity

Approximately 2,000 cumecs of water were discharged from the Larji Dam on Monday evening. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited had announced that 2,000 cumecs of water would be released from the Larji Hydroelectric Project at 6.45 pm on Monday.

Sources said that if the inflow increases, more water will be discharged, causing the Beas River’s water level to rise significantly. Locals, tourists, and workers have been advised to maintain a safe distance from riverbanks. Hotel owners, homestay operators, and taxi drivers have also been alerted to caution guests and travellers accordingly.

The water level in Pong Dam is now just one foot below the danger mark of 1,390 feet, prompting the Bhakra Beas Management Board to increase outflow to 75,000 cusecs in a phased manner. Authorities in the Mand region have urged people to remain alert and avoid unnecessary risks. Relief camps have been set up for displaced families, ensuring food, shelter, and medical facilities.

Kullu-Manali affected

In Kullu-Manali, heavy rain caused widespread damage. A restaurant at Bahang was washed away by the swelling Beas River, while residential areas at 14 Mile were inundated. At 15 Mile, a toilet block and several kiosks were swept away. Landslides have blocked key routes, including the Manali-Leh Highway at Bahang and the Old Manali–Burua road. The Kullu-Manali National Highway was washed away near Bindudhak, forcing authorities to divert traffic via the left-bank route. Water from the Beas River spilled over near the Green Tax Barrier and Alu Ground.