Unstable terrain: Landslide forces over 60 Sainj valley villagers to flee

Darmeda village in the Dehuridhar panchayat of Sainj valley was hit by a massive landslide on Friday, forcing more than 60 residents from 14 families to evacuate their homes. Rocks, boulders and debris came crashing down from the hill above, prompting a desperate rush for safety. With landslides continuing intermittently, the village remains on high alert.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Panchayat president Bhagat Ram Azad rushed to the spot and immediately alerted the administration. Affected families were advised to shift to a rest house in Ropa. While authorities offered tents and essential supplies, many villagers chose to stay with relatives. All evacuees have taken temporary shelter in nearby homes.

The threat continues to loom large as the hillside behind the village remains unstable, with recurring landslides and visible slope subsidence. Though no casualties or property damage have been reported yet, fear and anxiety run high among villagers who are also worried about their livestock.

Bhagat Ram Azad confirmed that rocks and debris have reached residential areas, posing a severe risk. Residents like Lal Singh, Chet Ram, Amar Singh, Chuni Lal, Daya Ram, Gyan Chand and Roshan Lal voiced concern over the worsening situation and unstable terrain.

Sainj Tehsildar Narender Kumar said the administration has arranged temporary accommodation for displaced families. He visited the site and encouraged residents to shift to the rest house in the Great Himalayan National Park, Ropa. The area is being closely monitored and villagers have been advised to stay away from their homes until the situation improves.

A public advisory has been issued, asking people to avoid vulnerable and hilly areas. Emergency response teams, including police and disaster management personnel, are maintaining vigil in the region.

Experts have pointed to the proliferation of mini and mega hydropower projects in Sainj Valley as a major factor contributing to the ecological instability. Blasting, deforestation and slope destabilisation linked to these projects have amplified the risk of landslides and flash floods. Environmentalists warn that unless these practices are curbed, the damage may soon become irreversible.

Himachal Tribune