Landslide Near Jhidhi Blocks Chandigarh-Manali Highway: Experts Raise Concerns Over Hill Cutting

 Mandi, Himachal Pradesh | A massive landslide struck near Jhidhi on the Chandigarh-Manali Highway, blocking the crucial mountain corridor and disrupting vehicular movement for several hours. The incident, captured on video and now widely shared on social media, shows a cascade of debris and rocks tumbling down the hill, covering the entire roadway.

Authorities rushed to the scene to clear the debris, while commuters were stranded on both ends of the highway. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, though the risk remains high due to unstable soil and continuous minor rockfalls even after the major slide.

Local residents and environmentalists were quick to point fingers at indiscriminate hill cutting carried out for the highway’s expansion into a four-lane express route. “Even in fair weather, these stretches often see small-scale landslides,” said a villager from the area. “This was just waiting to happen.”

The region has long been under scrutiny for poor slope management, inadequate drainage systems, and unregulated construction, especially in geologically fragile zones. Experts warn that unless modern hill-cutting techniques with slope stabilization, retaining walls, and proper vegetation cover are used, such incidents will continue to increase.

The highway is a vital link between Himachal Pradesh and the rest of North India, particularly for tourism, trade, and local transport. Restoration work is ongoing, and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed heavy machinery to clear the road.

Officials have advised travellers to check for updates before heading toward the Manali region. Meanwhile, a geological survey team is expected to assess the site for further risk.