HP tribal village face extinction

Chamba (Himachal Pradesh): Kuleth village in Bharmour tribal area of Chamba district is gradually sliding into river Ravi due to massive soil erosion, and facing threat of extinction. Despite the government approving a plan, with an outlay of Rs 6 crore, in March 2009 for the rehabilitation of the village, it is under an imminent threat of sliding down into the Ravi. The unchecked soil erosion has not only threatened the village but also nearby temples, and the people are living in panic, a district administration official said.

A massive landslide had occurred along the village on the right bank of the river Ravi about six years ago, resulting in the formation of an artificial lake posing threat to the Kuleth village and the hydroelectric projects downstream the river, the official said. A similar threat was hovering over the village due massive soil erosion, he added. Later, the water of the lake was released through a narrow course of the river created by blasting the debris of rocks but the danger loomed large over the village.

Worried residents of the area along the Ravi, including the affected Kuleth village have apprised the state government of the situation and cautioned that unabated landslides and soil erosion could cause a major mishap.