Colossal Landslide in Kinnaur District Blocks NH-5, Threatens Nathpa Dam
Rocks crash into Nathpa Dam, disrupt key route.
A colossal landslide struck National Highway-5 (NH-5) near the Nathpa Dam in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, unleashing chaos and threatening the operations of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydropower Project, one of India’s largest hydroelectric facilities. A chilling video captured the sheer scale of destruction as massive boulders and debris cascaded down the hillside, crashing into the dam and blocking the critical highway, a vital lifeline connecting Himachal Pradesh to neighboring states.
The incident, reported on Friday, is part of a series of landslides triggered by relentless monsoon rains in Kinnaur, which have wreaked havoc across the region. According to local authorities, the area has seen frequent landslides over the past week, with this event being among the most severe. The falling rocks have not only disrupted traffic on NH-5 but also raised concerns about the safety and functionality of the Nathpa Jhakri Hydropower Project, which plays a crucial role in India’s energy grid.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reports that the 2025 monsoon season has been catastrophic, claiming 355 lives in Himachal Pradesh, including 194 in rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods, drownings, and lightning strikes, and 161 in road accidents. Kinnaur has been particularly hard-hit, with persistent heavy rainfall intensifying landslides and causing repeated blockages on NH-5. On September 2, a similar landslide near Wangtu damaged five parked vehicles, though the drivers, asleep inside, miraculously escaped unharmed, as reported by The Tribune. On August 30, multiple landslides led to the complete closure of NH-5, stranding vehicles and isolating areas like Reckong Peo, the district headquarters, and upper Kinnaur.
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Efforts to clear the debris are underway, but the scale of destruction has slowed operations. Heavy machinery is being deployed at critical points like Nigulsari and Nathpa, where road subsidence and massive boulders have rendered the highway impassable. An alternate route through the Nathpa dam site, previously used to bypass landslide-prone areas, was also blocked by fresh slides on August 31, halting all movement for hours. Authorities have urged commuters to avoid the affected stretches and exercise caution, as clearing operations may take days due to the intensity of the damage.
The recurring landslides highlight the growing challenges posed by extreme weather in Himachal Pradesh, with climate experts pointing to intensified monsoon patterns as a contributing factor. Local residents and commuters are grappling with disrupted connectivity, while the state government faces pressure to implement long-term solutions to stabilize vulnerable highways and protect critical infrastructure. For now, travelers are advised to stay updated on road conditions and prioritize safety amidst the ongoing monsoon fury.
