Solan: A new disaster risk is emerging in Kumarhatti under Koidi Panchayat of the Nalagarh subdivision in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, where a large artificial lake has formed after a landslide blocked the natural flow of Chikni Khad.
The landslide occurred on the night of September 2, when a large quantity of debris from the hillside fell into the water channel and completely blocked its flow. Water accumulated behind the temporary debris barrier, creating a large artificial lake. Even after 25 days, the situation has not returned to normal, raising fear and uncertainty among local residents and the administration.
Rain Raises Concern Over Water Level
The biggest concern at present is the possibility of further rain. If rainfall occurs again in the area, fresh water could flow directly into the existing reservoir. A continued rise in the water level could put intense pressure on the temporary barrier made of debris. If the weakened barrier suddenly gives way, the accumulated water and debris could rush towards lower areas at high speed. This could potentially lead to a sudden and destructive flood in the lower areas around Chikni Khad, making timely precautions crucial.
Farmers Lose Around 10 Bighas of Land
The artificial lake has already caused severe losses to local farmers. Around 10 bighas of fertile agricultural land belonging to three brothers — Naresh Kumar Sharma, Jagpal Sharma and Yashpal Sharma — has been completely submerged. The waterlogging has destroyed major Kharif crops, particularly tomato production. The affected farmers said their crops had also been destroyed in 2023, but they did not receive any relief. With the fields still submerged, the upcoming agricultural cycle and sowing activities are also directly affected.
High School Building Faces Risk
Another major concern is the safety of a high school building located along the riverbank. Koidi panchayat Deputy Pradhan Karam Chand said water from the artificial lake is continuously seeping into the surrounding soil. Prolonged water accumulation could weaken the ground structure and increase the risk of another major landslide.
If another landslide occurs, the school building could be buried, he said. Local resident Ram Lal said children living across the river are also being forced to walk an additional 3 to 4 kilometres to reach the school.
Landslides Have Repeatedly Hit the Area
According to gram panchayat Pradhan Ramnath Chandel, a similar lake-like situation developed at the same location after a landslide in 2023. A hill-sliding incident was also recorded there in 2025. The repeated blockage of the river due to falling debris at the same location has raised serious concerns among residents and local representatives. They have demanded a permanent technical solution from the administration instead of temporary measures to deal with the recurring problem.
Administration Orders Water Discharge
After the September 2 incident, Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma and SDM Narendra Ahluwalia inspected the site along with Public Works Department officials. Officials ordered that the accumulated water be drained as soon as possible. Following the directions, PWD poclain machines were used for excavation and partial water discharge was started. However, a large quantity of water remains accumulated between Kumarhatti and Gurukund.
PWD Executive Engineer Parwarsar Singh said the drainage of the artificial lake does not directly fall under the department’s scope. He said an estimate has been submitted to the administration and complete drainage work will be undertaken once the budget is received.
Concern Over Possible Downstream Impact
Past disasters in Himalayan regions, including tragedies like the one in Nepal, have highlighted the destructive potential of sudden failures of temporary debris barriers. A precise prediction cannot be made for Kumarhatti, but the combination of water accumulated for 25 days, a weakened debris barrier and the possibility of further rainfall has raised serious concerns.
If the water is not safely drained in time and a permanent safety structure is not put in place, what is currently a local waterlogging problem could turn into a major disaster for the lower areas.
