Bilaspur landslide revives ghosts of Himachal’s 2017 devastating Kotrupi tragedy that killed 48

Bilaspur landslide

In a grim repeat of one of Himachal Pradesh’s deadliest disasters, a private bus was buried under a massive landslide in Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening, killing at least 15 people. The tragedy in the Bhalughat area has painfully revived memories of the catastrophic Kotrupi landslide of August 13, 2017, which claimed 48 lives.

According to a report in The Tribune, the ill-fated bus was travelling from Marotan to Ghumarwin with an estimated 30 to 35 passengers when the mountainside in the Jhandutta Assembly constituency suddenly gave way, crushing the vehicle under tons of debris.

The scene was one of devastation. A police official involved in the ongoing rescue operations was cited by The Tribune as stating, “The entire mountain came crashing down. It was terrifying. The chances of survival for those still trapped are bleak.”

Despite the dire assessment, the relentless work of rescue teams has yielded small miracles, with three individuals pulled alive from the rubble so far. Search efforts continue amid challenging terrain and unstable weather.

The reference to the 2017 Kotrupi disaster, which is one of the deadliest natural disasters in Himachal’s history, is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability. That catastrophe, triggered by incessant rainfall on the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway, wiped out a 150-meter stretch of road and buried two state-run buses. The parallels between the two incidents underscore the persistent threats facing the hilly state.

The Kotrupi and Bilaspur incidents serve as stark reminders of the acute vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous terrain, particularly during and after the monsoon season. Experts have repeatedly warned about the increasing frequency and intensity of such natural disasters, a trend often linked to deforestation, unregulated construction and the broader impacts of climate change.

As the search continues for those still missing in Bilaspur, difficult questions are once again being raised about preparedness and infrastructure safety. The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and pledged all possible assistance to the injured.