Landslide hits Shongtong power project barrage site in Kinnaur; workers escape unhurt
Shimla, June 19
A landslide struck the barrage site of the Shongtong Hydroelectric Power Project at Powari in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh early on Friday, triggering panic among workers and posing a threat to nearby private property.
The incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. while construction activities were underway at the barrage site.
According to reports, a large portion of the hillside suddenly gave way, causing a massive landslide.
Several trees were uprooted and swept down the slope as debris tumbled towards the project area.
Workers present at the site managed to flee to safety in time and narrowly escaped the landslide. A thick cloud of dust engulfed the area following the collapse. No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
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The landslide has, however, raised concerns about the safety of a nearby petrol pump and associated structures. Petrol pump owner Shiv Kumar Negi alleged that the incident was the result of negligence on the part of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and the company executing the dam construction work.
Negi said he had repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the vulnerability of the area and had urged officials of the corporation, the construction company and the district administration to construct a protective retaining wall. However, he alleged that no timely action was taken.
He claimed that the landslide has now placed property worth crores of rupees at risk, including seven rooms, two toilets, two storage units and an office building located adjacent to the petrol pump.
Responding to the concerns, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma said the district administration had taken up the matter with officials of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation. He maintained that the petrol pump was not under immediate threat and that work on a protective safety wall had already been initiated at the site.
“The construction of the retaining wall is underway and will be completed shortly to ensure the safety of the property,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, while efforts continue to stabilize the affected area and prevent any further damage.
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