Prashar Lake area faces landslides threat, prompting call for early action

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 23

The serene Prashar Lake area in Mandi district is confronting a disturbing trend of gradual landslides, raising alarm among local residents and environmentalists. This picturesque location, renowned for its beauty and spiritual significance, is battling the adverse effects of land instability that threaten both its natural landscape and safety of its inhabitants.

4 villages under threat

• Reports indicate noticeable terrain shifts around Prashar Lake, with visible ground cracks and shifting soil becoming more prominent, particularly following heavy rains
• This has heightened fears of potential landslides, endangering infrastructure and homes in the vicinity
• Four villages downstream are under threat
• Vice pradhan of Segli gram panchayat emphasised the need for immediate assessment to prevent a potential disaster

Recent reports from locals indicate noticeable terrain shifts around Prashar Lake, with visible ground cracks and shifting soil becoming more prominent, especially after heavy rains. This instability has heightened the fears of potential landslides, endangering infrastructure and homes in the vicinity. Four villages downstream are under threat, including areas up to Kataula. The Bagi Nullah, which caused considerable damage last year, including to a newly constructed road bridge, is a direct consequence of these landslides.

Chhape Ram, vice pradhan of Segli gram panchayat, highlighted the scale of the problem, noting that a 500-plant forest patch has slid from one side and about 1,100 plants are sliding from another side, just 500 metres from the lake. Chhape Ram emphasised the need for immediate assessment to prevent a potential disaster that could lead to significant damage and loss of life.

Balbir Thakur, pradhan of the Prashar deity temple committee, expressed grave concern over the future of Prashar Lake. Thakur noted that if the landslide problem persists, the lake might burst, leading to heavy flooding. Last year, flashfloods in the Bagi Nullah destroyed around 40 bigha of agriculture land and washed away some houses. The ongoing landslides are believed to be contributing to the flooding problems in the region.

“The situation has also impacted the road leading to Prashar Lake from Jawalapur, which has caved in,” he asserted.

Environmentalists are troubled by the ecological consequences of these landslides. Prashar Lake, a popular tourist destination and crucial habitat for local flora and fauna, is at risk. Experts have warned that the continued erosion could degrade water quality and disrupt the ecosystem.

Narender Saini, president of Devbhumi Paryavaran Rakshak Manch, called for a thorough investigation by the state government to identify the causes of the landslides. Saini pointed to deforestation as a major factor contributing to the problem.

Divisional Forest Officer Vasu Doegar said the Forest Department had requested a joint survey by experts from IIT Mandi and soil specialists last year to assess the landslide causes and formulation of protective measures. However, no report has been received from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Darang MLA Puran Chand Thakur expressed concern over lack of action, noting that the issue was raised in the Vidhan Sabha last year but no action was taken by the state government. Thakur said he would raise the matter again in the next Vidhan Sabha session and seek a solution.

As the situation continues to develop, both residents and environmentalists are demanding immediate action to stop further damage and safeguard the Prashar Lake area.