Himachal: Heavy rain and landslides damage bridges, school buildings; 109 roads blocked
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Shimla/Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), August 4, 2026: Heavy rainfall and landslides across Himachal Pradesh have caused widespread disruption, damaging bridges and public infrastructure and blocking the national highway along with 109 other roads in several parts of the state.
In Kullu district’s Banjar area, the rising water level of the Tirthan River washed away a bridge and two small culverts. The damage has affected connectivity to more than six villages in Mashiyar panchayat, leaving a ropeway as the only available means for residents to cross the river.
In Sirmaur district, the old Batapul bridge in Paonta Sahib collapsed following heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, landslides blocked National Highway-305, disrupting traffic on the Ani-Kullu route.
In Nirmand subdivision of Kullu district, a portion of the Government Primary School building at Pankwa in Badi panchayat collapsed after being hit by a landslide. Debris also entered the remaining part of the school building, forcing authorities to shift classes to a nearby community hall.
Heavy rain also caused extensive damage to apple orchards in the area. More than 500 apple trees were reportedly destroyed, resulting in losses worth several lakh rupees for local growers.
In Theog, Shimla district, debris and rocks rolling down a hillside severely damaged a car parked along the roadside.
The Ganvi and Samej streams in Rampur were once again in spate following continuous rainfall. Authorities opened the gates of the Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project dam to release water as a precautionary measure.
The heavy rain and recurring landslides have continued to affect road connectivity and public infrastructure across the state, while authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas and working to restore traffic movement.