Manali’s Ban Village on the Brink: Landslides and River Erosion Spark Fear and Urgent Calls for Help

Just four kilometers before Manali, the picturesque Ban village is facing a crisis that’s threatening its very existence. Surrounded on nearly all sides by the roaring Beas River, Ban is now at the mercy of nature as continuous rainfall and landslides have put homes, farmland, and lives at risk.

Nature’s Fury: River and Landslides Closing In

Residents describe how the Beas River, with its four sharp curves, cuts dangerously close to the village, eroding land from three sides and even threatening the local bridge. Women in the village spend sleepless nights, flashlight in hand, anxiously checking if the water level is rising or if another landslide is imminent. The fear is real—especially at night when the sound of rushing water becomes overwhelming and the darkness hides the next potential disaster.

Locals recall that when they first settled here, Ban was lush with forests and farmland. Now, much of the jungle is gone, homes have disappeared, and even the fields are shrinking. The river has already eaten away half the bridge, and the villagers know that without urgent intervention, the entire area could be lost.

A History of Tragedy and Unfulfilled Promises

Ban village isn’t new to disaster. In 1995, a massive landslide swept away at least four homes and large swathes of fertile land. Again, in 2023, floods triggered further landslides, destroying more houses and land. Despite repeated appeals, the promised RCC (reinforced concrete) walls and protective barriers have not been built. The villagers are clear: without these measures, Ban will eventually disappear.

Voices of Fear and Hope

The fear among Ban’s residents is palpable. They’re not just worried about property—they’re worried about survival. Women express how every night is spent in anxiety, hoping that the next landslide won’t be the one that takes everything. The memories of previous disasters haunt them, and the lack of action from authorities only adds to their distress.

Their demand is simple but urgent: build RCC walls and proper protective barriers as soon as the rains stop. They want both sides of the village protected, not just patches. They want the bridge, the roads, and their homes secured.

A Plea to the Government

As rainfall continues and the Beas River remains relentless, Ban village’s future hangs in the balance. The residents, led by their memories and fears, are making a desperate plea to the government: act now, before it’s too late.

With every passing day, the risk grows, and Ban stands as a stark reminder of how vulnerable Himalayan villages are to climate change, unchecked river erosion, and delayed infrastructure. Will help arrive in time—or will Ban become another name lost to the river’s fury?

Have you witnessed the impact of landslides or floods in your area? Share your story or support Ban village’s plea for urgent help in the comments below.