Arvind Sharma (Dharamshala)
Relentless rain and flash floods continue to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh. After the devastation in Kullu, Dharamshala has now been severely affected. On Wednesday, the water level in the Khaniyara Manuni Khad surged dramatically, triggering a tragic incident at the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project site.
Preliminary reports suggest that around 15-20 of the 100 workers stationed at the project site may have been swept away by the sudden floodwaters. So far, two bodies have been recovered from Manuni Khad.
According to officials, the project work had been suspended due to ongoing rain, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters at the labor colony near the site. Unfortunately, floodwaters from Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted toward the colony, engulfing the shelters and sweeping the workers away.
Rescue operations are underway. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local administration, Gram Panchayat, and the Revenue Department have reached the spot and are engaged in search and rescue efforts. Some local workers associated with the project have been reported safe.
Dharamshala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma, in a post on social media, confirmed that about 20 workers are feared to have been washed away in the incident.
On the other hand, SDM Dharamshala Mohit Ratna said that information has been received about the workers being swept away in Manuni Khad of Khaniyara in Dharamshala. The police is rescuing the bodies and getting them post-mortem done. He said that investigation is also being done regarding other losses.
Meanwhile, SSP Kangra Shalini Agnihotri said that information was received about the workers being swept away in the hydro project in Manuni Khad in Khaniyara of Dharamshala, in which two bodies have been recovered, which have not been identified yet. These are said to be migrant workers. Relief and rescue work is going on.
More details are awaited as rescue operations continue amidst challenging weather conditions
