A Technical Report on the Recent Floods in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Susceptibility of the State of Himachal Pradesh to vagaries of climate change and natural disaster has now been well documented. During the current monsoon season, Kangra District witnessed flash floods after heavy rains on July 11 and 12, 2021. Due to heavy precipitation, the khads originating from the Dhauladhar range flowed with heavy discharge causing enormous damage in the downstream areas of Dharamshala region. The major damage occurred along Manjhi khad, Gaj khad at Shilla, Cheturu and Rajol localities due to toe erosion and channel course change resulting in heavy damage to infrastructure etc. At Boh village of Shahpur Sub Division, a massive landslide occurred due to rock failure leading to temporary blockade along the stream and by the movement of debris flow causing huge devastation in the village wherein 10 people lost their precious lives with 5 injured seriously alongwith loss to the infrastructure etc. The major damage that occurred at Rajol and Chetru was mainly due to change in the river course leading to the damage along the new course and toe erosion. At Bhagsunag, the damage was mainly due to the change in the land use of the stream which after chocking flowed with heavy discharge inflicting colossal damage in the downstream areas of the region.