Two youths drown in Malana nala at Kullu
Tragic Drowning in Malana Nallah: A Heartbreaking Incident in Himachal Pradesh
In a tragic incident in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, two young men drowned in the Malana nullah while crossing a temporary wooden bridge. Ram Chander (21) and Inderjeet (19), both from Malana village, were returning home from Bhuntar when the accident occurred on the evening of May 1, 2025.
The two men fell into the fast-flowing waters while crossing the bridge. Their families became worried when they didn’t return home, and they alerted the police and rescue services. The search began early the next morning.
Rescue teams, including local police and volunteers, launched a search operation. Inderjeet’s body was found, but rescuers continue to search for Ram Chander. They briefly spotted his body, but strong currents swept it away.
To help in the search, authorities halted the water flow from the Malana Dam upstream. This gave rescuers better visibility and access to the area. Chhape Ram Negi, a rescue team member, explained that the body was visible for a short time, but the current made retrieval impossible.
Malana Village and Its Challenges
Malana sits at an altitude of 2,652 meters in the Parvati Valley. The village has its own distinct culture and language, Kanashi. Access to Malana is difficult due to damaged roads from the August 2024 cloudburst. The villagers must walk 8 kilometers to reach the nearest point with road access.
Dangers of Temporary Structures
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of crossing temporary structures, especially during high water flow. Wooden bridges are sometimes the only way to access certain areas. However, these bridges may not withstand strong currents, which can lead to accidents. This is a reminder to ensure the stability and safety of such structures.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Rescue efforts following the cloudburst in 2024 were challenging due to the difficult terrain and ongoing rainfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities launched operations, but the floods made recovery difficult. Efforts to restore road connectivity to Malana are ongoing. A ropeway is under consideration to help transport goods to the village.
Conclusion
The drowning of Ram Chander and Inderjeet reminds us of the dangers posed by mountain rivers and flash floods. It also highlights the need for better safety awareness and infrastructure in disaster-prone areas. Authorities should continue to educate locals and visitors about the risks, especially during the monsoon season.
Improving early warning systems, enhancing rescue operations, and restoring infrastructure are vital to preventing such tragedies in the future.
For more information on cloudbursts and their aftermath in Himachal Pradesh, you can refer to the Times of India article: 3 dead, 5 feared drowned as cloudbursts, landslides hit Himachal.
