Punjab: Landslide blocks road to Bhakra Dam, halts rail services for 15 days

Punjab: The main road leading to Bhakra Dam and its left bank power station has been blocked due to a landslide. A massive landslide near Nehla village has blocked the BBMB railway track leading to Bhakra Dam. According to sources, it will take at least 15 days for the BBMB to clear the railway track. Since the retaining wall on the road leading to Bhakra Dam has collapsed in several places, BBMB officials say it may take at least a month to restore the road. This year, landslides have occurred at several locations in the hills surrounding Bhakra Dam. A fortnight ago, heavy rains caused water to enter the power station on the left bank of Bhakra Dam, but the damage was prevented thanks to alert staff present there. The landslide on the road leading to Bhakra Dam has cut off communication with villages in Himachal Pradesh. The bus service from Nangal to the historic Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, via the main gate of the Bhakra Dam, has been suspended due to a landslide, and sources indicate it may take at least a month to resume. When contacted, Bhakra Dam Chief Engineer CP Singh acknowledged that the road to the Naina Devi Temple via the Bhakra Dam has been damaged due to the collapse of retaining walls. He said, “We have initiated short-term tenders for road repairs and the road is expected to be restored within a month.” He added that BBMB train services from Nangal to Bhakra Dam will also be suspended for about 15 days due to the railway track being blocked by yesterday’s landslide.

CP Singh said that this train service, meant for workers working at the Bhakra Dam, was also used by villagers living near the dam. He added, “We have also made BBMB bus services available to the villagers so that they can reach Nangal for daily use.” When asked, CP Singh said that although the roads leading to Bhakra Dam and the left bank power house are blocked, work at the dam has not been affected. Workers are being transported to Bhakra Dam in small vehicles and via the right bank power house road. Regarding the reasons for the massive landslides in the areas surrounding Bhakra Dam, the Chief Engineer said that this year has seen unprecedented rainfall in the region. He said, “The area around Bhakra Dam received 280 mm of rainfall on August 30 and 31, which caused the most landslides.” Meanwhile, residents of villages around Bhakra Dam have urged BBMB to repair the roads leading to Bhakra Dam as soon as possible, as it is their lifeline.