Himachal Pradesh Village of Malana Rebuilds Bridge After Rains

The monsoon season has brought devastation to Himachal Pradesh, with heavy rains causing significant damage. Numerous villages have suffered, roads have been damaged, and landslides have blocked crucial routes. Bridges have been destroyed by the overflowing waters, isolating many communities. The village of Malana in the Kullu district has taken matters into their own hands after their bridge was destroyed by the Malana Nallah. The villagers, without any outside engineering assistance, used traditional bridge-building methods to construct a replacement. This project showcases the dedication of the people to maintain essential infrastructure. The bridge is essential for about 200 people daily who use it to travel to Jari and other nearby places. Over 200 villagers worked together for a week to rebuild the vital structure. Malana, a historic village, is famous for its ancient democratic system and distinctive customs, including the rule that outsiders are not allowed to touch anything within the village. The village is situated at a high altitude and has a population of approximately 2,400. Joginder Singh, a member of the temple committee, praised the villagers’ efforts and highlighted the community’s spirit. This type of event has become the norm, as the villagers also had to rebuild last year after a similar destructive flood.