Tosh Nala obstruction raises ‘Flash Flood’ alarm in Manikaran valley of Kullu district
Shimla, Feb 27,
A looming threat hangs over the Manikaran Valley as an artificial dam has formed in Jeera Nala, blocking the natural flow of water and causing widespread panic among residents of Tosh village and surrounding areas. The Kullu administration has issued an urgent advisory, warning both tourists and locals to stay away from the Parvati River, as any sudden breach of the artificial dam could lead to flooding downstream.
Kullu SDM Vikas Shukla confirmed that all habitations downstream have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. “The blockage of Jeera Nala has completely stopped the water flow, and the cause is yet to be ascertained. However, we are taking no risks. People in the affected areas are being moved to safer locations,” Shukla stated.
Initial reports indicate that continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has triggered a landslide, leading to the obstruction. A 5 MW hydroelectric power project is located on the drain before Tosh village, but officials have assured that the village itself is not under immediate threat. However, houses and structures near the Nala remain at high risk.
Relief and rescue teams have been dispatched to assess the situation, and SDM Shukla is on his way to the site to oversee operations. Local Panchayat Pradhans have been instructed to ensure the safety of all residents and tourists in the region.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and rescue teams are on high alert. “We request people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety advisories issued by the administration,” said an official from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Emergency response teams are working to assess the feasibility of controlled drainage of the accumulated water. Experts have warned that if the heavy rainfall continues at its current intensity, the situation could rapidly worsen.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been placed on standby for emergency evacuation. The State government has assured that all necessary resources will be deployed to manage the crisis.
Meanwhile, the sudden blockage of Jeera Nala has created a sense of fear among the locals of Tosh and nearby villages. Many residents worry that if water pressure builds up beyond a certain limit, the artificial dam could burst, causing a devastating flash flood downstream.
In a related development, the administration of the Lahaul-Spiti district has issued an avalanche warning, urging people to stay indoors and avoid high-altitude areas. The entire state of Himachal Pradesh is experiencing incessant rainfall, with heavy snowfall being recorded in the Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra districts.
The rising intensity of rain and snow has heightened concerns of landslides, road blockages, and flash floods. As the monsoon continues to cause widespread disruptions across Himachal Pradesh, authorities have urged both locals and tourists to remain vigilant and adhere to all official advisories. The situation remains critical, and further updates will be provided as rescue teams reach the site and assess the evolving risk level.
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