Mandi, Himachal Pradesh (July 10) – Following severe flash floods and landslides triggered by a cloudburst in the Pandoh region, the Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway has emerged as a critical lifeline for thousands stranded in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district.
The 750-meter ropeway, built earlier under the tenure of former CM Jairam Thakur, has now become a vital link for over 5,000 residents after roads and bridges in the region were destroyed.
Free Ropeway Access for 12 Panchayats
Initially offered only to two panchayats, the ropeway service has now been made free of cost to all 12 panchayats of the Seraj Vidhan Sabha constituency, following the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
“Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri visited after the floods and directed us to provide free ropeway service for a week. It’s become the only way out for many residents,” said Kush Vaidya, Resident Manager of the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC).
Though short in length, the ropeway helps bypass a destroyed 12-kilometre stretch, now unfit for vehicular or pedestrian use.
Ground Reality: Ropeway Becomes the Only Hope
Residents like Bhoop Singh say the ropeway is their only mode of transport for food and medical supplies:
“If not for this ropeway, we would have been completely helpless. All the roads and bridges are gone. We now use this to carry essentials across the valley. It’s a huge relief in this disaster.”
Monsoon Havoc: 91 Dead Across Himachal
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Himachal Pradesh has reported 91 deaths between June 20 and July 10, including 55 directly due to weather-related disasters like landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods.
The other 36 deaths occurred in rain-induced road accidents, further highlighting the impact of extreme monsoon activity on the hill state’s infrastructure.
Conclusion: Ropeway Proves Vital in Crisis
As rescue and rehabilitation operations continue in Mandi and surrounding regions, the Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway stands as a testament to resilient infrastructure offering hope in the face of natural calamities.
The Himachal Pradesh government continues to assess damage and ensure delivery of relief supplies to cut-off areas. The local administration has urged citizens to avoid travel in vulnerable areas as more rain is forecast.