Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 7: Continuous torrential rains have caused widespread damage across Tibetan settlements in the Kullu-Manali region, with Dekyiling and Dobhi Palrabling among the areas most severely affected. The late August downpours triggered landslides, flooding, and severe damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving residents struggling with ongoing cleanup efforts.
The Kullu-Manali area is home to six scattered Tibetan settlements—Dekyiling, 15 Mile, Patlikul, Dobhi Palrabling, Kullu Youlokoe, and Bundar, all of which remain vulnerable to monsoon damage due to their fragile terrain.
Speaking to Phayul, Tenzin Tsultem, Tibetan Settlement Officer of Kullu-Manali, said that the Dekyiling settlement, which has 40 households, was struck by a landslide on August 27 at around 7:30 a.m. “Six households were most affected as debris and mud swept into their homes. Cleanup began on August 28 but had to be halted on the 30th due to continuous heavy rains. The work is ongoing, though difficult to complete as the rains are recurrent,” Tsultem explained.
Dobhi Palrabling settlement was also hit hard when Faisal Nala overflowed on August 26 and 27, inundating the community with sand, stones, and debris. Nearly 30 of its 45 households were affected. While cleanup began once the weather eased, renewed heavy rainfall on August 30 washed away the main road, cutting off vehicle access and forcing residents to travel on foot.
Local leaders, including representatives from the Tibetan Settlement Office, Local Assembly, and Tibetan Freedom Movement, visited the affected sites twice on foot to assess the situation. Based on their reports, the Department of Home of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) released ₹4 lakhs on September 6 as an urgent relief fund to support cleanup, road restoration, and other immediate needs.
Tsultem further noted that residents have launched a donation drive, with contributions coming from both within Kullu-Manali and other Tibetan settlements. “Local leaders have been very cooperative and supportive in coordinating the relief efforts,” he told Phayul, adding that cleanup operations continue despite recurrent rain.
