Manali: Recent floods in Beas river in Kullu district have badly damaged the protection walls along its banks, posing a serious threat to over a dozen villages and three major towns.While the state government will spend crores in rebuilding the protection walls, the year-old Rs 1,300-crore mega project of channelization of both banks of Beas in the entire district is still waiting for a final approval from the government.Beas flows across Kullu and major towns are settled close to its banks besides a large number of villages. A devastating flood on September 23 and 24 which damaged roads, houses and bridges also damaged the protection walls, especially crate wire structures, leaving houses, agriculture land, forest areas and roads unprotected. It also changed its course at many places.The Himachal government has granted principal approval to Rs 1,300 crore project of channelization of nearly 60-km stretch between Palchan village till Bajaura, a few years back but the final approval to the project is still to be granted.Bhuntar, Kullu, Patlikuhal towns and lower portion of Manali town is under threat from Beas. A large number of villages from Palchan to Bajaura like Bahang, Aluground and Kalath could get swept away by flood. A major part of Chandigarh-Manali national highway between Kullu and Manali passes close to Beas. The survey of the river suggested that proper channelization of both banks of Beas will not only protect its banks from flooding, but will also beautify the river for tourism purpose.The plan of the project was initially drafted by Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune. Its task is to protect both the banks of river and control its flow. Also, to make some view points for tourists so that they can experience the charm of river from safe distance.Forest, transport, sports minister Govind Singh Thakur, who is MLA from Manali constituency, said the Beas channelization project had been his priority for many years. “The government is working on it. We will also protect the banks of Beas with concrete walls and beautify Beas to make it an attraction for tourists. Recent flood has caused damage to private and public properties. The government is helping the affected people and rebuilding the damaged roads, walls and bridges,” he said.Kullu deputy commissioner Yunus said he along with officials from other departments visited some spots along the river banks and officials and panchayats concerned have been directed to submit the damage report. “Flood has damaged protection walls at some places which shall be rebuilt as soon as possible. We have received enough funds for restoration works. National Highway authorities have been directed to build concrete walls at some major places. Irrigation and public health department will also help in raising the protection walls, “he said.

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