Himachal calling: Lack of funds for Beas channelisation harms Kullu-Manali tourism industry

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 18

In Himachal Pradesh, the picturesque districts of Kullu-Manali and Lahaul and Spiti are grappling with severe setback to their tourism industry due to the recurring issue of Beas river’s swelling in the rainy season.

The river’s frequent flooding has inflicted substantial damage on the vital Chandigarh-Manali highway, disrupting tourist access and causing significant financial losses to locals and the state government.

Each year, the Beas in the monsoons, wreaks havoc on the highway, which serves as a crucial link between Kullu-Manali and the rest of India. This vital artery, which supports tourism by connecting Kullu-Manali with states like Punjab and Haryana, faces regular damage due to the river’s aggressive behaviour in the monsoons.

A long-pending demand

We have been urging the state and Central governments for years to channelise the Beas from Palchan to Aut to protect the highway and residential and commercial properties along its banks. Last year, the highway was damaged between Mandi and Kullu-Manali at several locations, causing loss of crores and disruption of traffic for days, which adversely impacted the tourism sector in Kullu-Manali.

— Anup Thakur, president, Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal

In recent years, floods have caused extensive damage to both the highway infrastructure and adjacent properties. Residential and commercial buildings along the highway have suffered losses amounting to crores, with repair and maintenance costs escalating each year.

The major part of the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, completed last year, was anticipated to revitalise tourism in the region. Tourism stakeholders were hopeful that the improved infrastructure would attract more visitors and bolster the local economy. Indeed, the highway initially succeeded in drawing a large number of tourists. However, the joy was short-lived. Last year, the swollen Beas severely damaged the highway between Mandi-Manali, disrupting traffic and tourism. This year, similar incidents occurred at two key locations between Kullu and Manali, leading to prolonged traffic disruptions.

The lack of progress in addressing the issue has been a point of contention. Tourism stakeholders in Kullu-Manali have long been advocating the channelisation of the Beas as a preventive measure. Their goal is to protect the highway and the commercial and residential properties located along its banks. A detailed project report (DPR) for the channelisation project was submitted to the Central Government during the previous BJP regime. This report sought approval for a substantial Rs 1,669 crore investment to manage the river’s flow and prevent flood damage. Unfortunately, due to the lack of funds, the project has not progressed, leaving the region vulnerable.

Anup Thakur, president, Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, said, “We have been urging the state and Central governments for years to channelise the Beas from Palchan to Aut to protect the highway and residential and commercial properties along its banks. Last year, the highway was damaged between Mandi and Kullu-Manali at several locations, causing loss of crores and disruption of traffic for days, which adversely impacted the tourism sector in Kullu-Manali.”

Data accessed by The Tribune from the District Tourism Department showed that last year, 4.62 lakh highest tourist arrival was witnessed in June in Kullu district, which reduced drastically to 19,124 after the flooded Beas wreaked havoc in Kullu, Manali and Mandi in July.

In September, a little increase was witnessed in tourist arrival with 65,519 tourists. It shows the drastic impact on tourism industry in Kullu-Manali.

The Kiratpur-Manali highway is considered the lifeline of the Kullu-Manali tourism industry.

It facilitates the easy movement of tourists from the neighbouring states and is essential to the region’s economic health.

However, the highway is particularly prone to landslides, especially between Mandi and Pandoh.

This susceptibility to landslides and flood damage not only endangers travellers but also contributes to frequent disruptions in traffic.

Such disruptions not only inconvenience tourists but also negatively impact the local businesses that depend on a consistent tourist traffic.

Tourism stakeholders have repeatedly emphasised the necessity for adequate funds and proactive measures to safeguard the highway.

Ensuring that the road remains safe and functional year-round is crucial to maintaining and boosting the tourism sector in Kullu-Manali and Lahaul and Spiti.

Tourism stakeholders feel that without proper funding and timely implementation of the Beas channelisation project, the region will continue to face disruptions that undermine its tourism potential and economic stability.

According to stakeholders, addressing the issue with urgency is essential for the prosperity of Kullu-Manali’s tourism industry and for the broader economic well-being of the region.