Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a review meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to assess the situation resulting from incessant rains and landslides in the state. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 17 lives and extensive damage caused to roads, power infrastructure, and water supply schemes. An initial estimate suggests the losses range from Rs 3000 crore to Rs 4000 crore. In order to accurately evaluate the damages, the Chief Minister directed the committee led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to convene a meeting soon.
Chief Minister Sukhu instructed all Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant for the next 10 days and provide necessary assistance to the affected individuals. He assured that the state government is making all-out efforts to efficiently tackle the situation. Prompt rescue operations were launched, saving many lives in the affected areas. The Chief Minister emphasized involving representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions and local residents in relief and rescue operations, and immediate restoration of electricity and water supply to minimize inconvenience for the affected population. He also instructed the construction of Bailey Bridges to replace the damaged ones, facilitating the movement of stranded individuals.
Efforts are underway to evacuate around 300 stranded tourists and residents in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts using helicopters once weather conditions permit. The Chief Minister directed the provision of adequate arrangements for accommodation, food, and essential items for the stranded individuals, and the preparation of a state-wise list of stranded tourists.
Highlighting the extensive losses caused by the torrential rains in the state, Chief Minister Sukhu instructed Deputy Commissioners to expedite relief work. He assured that the state government would ensure sufficient funds are available to assist the affected people. The Chief Minister expressed his intention to visit the affected areas soon for on-the-spot assessment.
Considering the approaching apple season, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for swift restoration of roads in apple-growing regions to facilitate the smooth transportation of apple crops, thereby preventing losses for apple growers. He directed authorities to keep the Parwanoo-Rohru, Theog to Rampur, Chhaila to Kumarhatti roads, and other apple belt roads open, and allocate Rs 4 crore for immediate road improvements in these areas.
Due to reported deaths during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra pilgrimage, the Chief Minister announced the halt of the pilgrimage for the remainder of the season.
The virtual meeting was attended by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and Principal Secretary Revenue Onkar Chand Sharma.
