Landslide in Kullu Leaves Six Dead, Five Injured
A devastating landslide near the revered Manikaran Gurudwara in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, resulted in six fatalities and left five others injured on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The calamity struck in the late afternoon, around 5 PM, when a massive tree, uprooted by the landslide, collapsed onto vehicles and bystanders near the gurudwara’s parking area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the sudden landslide triggered a tree fall, which caused severe damage to parked vehicles and led to the casualties. The victims included both locals and tourists who were visiting the popular religious site.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath
Videos circulating on social media reveal the extent of destruction, showing crushed cars and panicked bystanders attempting to help those trapped. The massive tree, identified as a deodar, was uprooted due to heavy rains, strong winds, and soil erosion. Witnesses reported a loud crashing sound followed by dust and debris covering the area, leading to chaos and confusion among visitors.
A local shopkeeper near the incident site said, “The tree fell suddenly, and people did not get time to react. Many were trapped under it. It was a horrifying sight.”
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
In response to the tragedy, a police team led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Manikaran, along with local administration and rescue personnel, quickly reached the site to manage relief operations.
Field revenue officials and medical teams assisted in the rescue efforts, pulling out survivors from under the debris and rushing the injured to the nearest hospital in Jari. The identities of the deceased and injured are being confirmed, and authorities are working to contact their families.
Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, who visited the spot, stated, “This is an unfortunate incident. The administration is doing everything possible to provide assistance to the affected families.”
Official Statements and Government Action
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives. He has directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. The Chief Minister also instructed medical teams to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also conveyed his condolences and urged the government to take precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “Himachal Pradesh is prone to landslides, and authorities must increase vigilance, especially in landslide-prone areas,” he stated.
Weather Conditions and Landslide Warnings
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, heavy rains, and gusty winds in several districts, including Kullu, earlier this week. Such weather conditions increase the likelihood of landslides, particularly in mountainous terrains like Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier this month, heavy rains and snowfall disrupted normal life in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, leading to landslides, blocked roads, and damaged vehicles. A landslide in the Kangra district caused significant destruction, damaging multiple homes and endangering lives. Authorities have been on high alert due to the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Calls for Preventive Measures
Environmentalists have long warned about the increasing frequency of landslides in Himachal Pradesh due to deforestation, unregulated construction, and climate change. Experts suggest that better land management, afforestation, and improved drainage systems can help reduce the risks associated with landslides.
Local residents and activists are calling for stricter regulations on construction activities in hilly areas to prevent soil erosion and landslide threats. “If proper environmental policies are implemented, such disasters can be mitigated,” said an environmental researcher in Shimla.
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The tragic landslide near Manikaran Gurudwara in Kullu serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unpredictable natural calamities. While rescue efforts are ongoing and authorities are offering assistance, the incident highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and tourists in vulnerable areas. The government and environmental agencies must work together to implement long-term solutions to address the increasing risk of landslides in Himachal Pradesh.
