Himachal: Most landslide monitoring stations "non-functional," reveals SDMA report

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 12 (ANI): A large number of landslide monitoring stations across Himachal Pradesh are currently non-operational, raising concerns over timely alerts and disaster preparedness amid the ongoing monsoon season, according to a report of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
According to the State Disaster Management Authority's (SDMA) Daily Landslide Monitoring Report dated August 12, 2025, the majority of 21 monitored locations in districts like Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, and Solan are "not working", while only three sites reported "low working" status.
Mandi district has the highest concentration of monitoring sites, but most, including Prashar, Kotropi, Sandhol, Ghoda Farm, multiple Griffon Peak sites, Tattapani, and Vishwakarma Temple, are non-functional.
Kangra sites at Baldun (Nurpur) and Colony are largely non-operational, with Colony and Dharamshala showing "Low Working" status.
Shimla (Jutogh) and Solan (Dagshai) also reported "No Working" status.
The report highlights that the landslide prediction at the Vishwakarma Temple site in Mandi is being done solely based on weather data due to the absence of a physical monitoring system.
An SDMA official cautioned, "With heavy rainfall forecast in several districts, non-functional landslide monitoring systems pose a serious challenge to early warning and evacuation efforts. Repairs and system restoration are being prioritised to ensure public safety."
The lack of operational monitoring stations is particularly concerning as landslides remain one of the deadliest hazards during Himachal's monsoon, frequently leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and major road blockages.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert, follow official advisories, and avoid travel through high-risk slopes and slide-prone areas until systems are restored.
The monsoon season has taken a tragic toll in Himachal Pradesh, with the death count rising to 229. This includes 119 fatalities from rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, along with 110 deaths resulting from road accidents since June 20.
The impact of heavy rains has severely crippled public infrastructure across the state, with 395 roads, 669 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs), and 529 water supply schemes disrupted over the past 24 hours, as reported by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). (ANI)