ROPAR, Sept. 2 — At least 80 houses in Bhabhor Sahib village of Ropar district are under threat as landslides and erosion along the banks of Nangal Dam lake intensify, officials said Tuesday. The district administration has been placed on continuous vigil to ensure the safety of residents.
The surge of water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) releases into the Sutlej basin has led to a rise in velocity, destabilizing banks and damaging retaining walls. The collapse of a crucial wall has left dozens of homes vulnerable to slipping into the lake.
Saurabh Sharma, a resident of the village, said families are living in fear. “If the erosion continues, our houses could submerge into the lake,” he said.
The threat extends to historic and religious landmarks in the area. The retaining wall of the Laxmi Narayan temple collapsed earlier this week, damaging parts of the structure. The revered Bhabhor Sahib Gurudwara, associated with Guru Gobind Singh, also lies in the affected stretch, raising concerns among devotees.
Former Himachal Vidhan Sabha Speaker and senior Congress leader K.P. Rana visited the damaged temple and pressed for swift intervention. “Immediate steps must be taken to save this temple and protect the surrounding community,” he urged.
Officials explained that repair work on the retaining walls will only be possible once the rains ease. Until then, households already under strain are being closely monitored, with evacuation plans in place if further erosion occurs.
Though the surface of the lake appears calm, the heightened water velocity continues to erode the banks, threatening both private structures and public faith sites in the region.
