Himachal CM reviews disaster-hit districts, orders relief and restoration on a war footing

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday directed officials to carry out relief and restoration works in disaster-hit districts of Himachal Pradesh on a war footing.

He presided over a review meeting via video conference from New Delhi with officials of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Mandi districts.

Advertisement

The Chief Minister held detailed discussions with the Divisional Commissioner, Kangra, stationed in Chamba, along with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police at Bharmour.

He sought updates on the situation of stranded Manimahesh pilgrims, damages caused by flash floods and heavy rains, and the progress of relief and restoration measures.

Officials said all stranded devotees were safe and being provided food, shelter, and first aid. Arrangements were also being made for their safe return, with many sheltered at Chamba Chaugan.

Communication services of Jio, Airtel, and BSNL had been restored in Chamba town, and the 25-km road from Chamba to Bharmour had been reopened.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration to prioritise the evacuation of pilgrims, particularly women, children, the elderly, and the ill.

He ordered the airlifting of those unable to travel, airdropping food in inaccessible areas, and mobilising additional manpower and machinery to clear landslide-blocked roads.

He stressed that restoration of power, water supply, and communication services must be completed swiftly.

Deputy Commissioners of Mandi and Kullu were instructed to ensure smooth vehicular movement through alternate routes and to expedite restoration of drinking water and electricity.

For Bara Bhangal in Kangra district, the Chief Minister directed that food and essentials be airdropped. He also asked for a speedy assessment of the land washed away by the floods.

On the situation in Indora, Fatehpur, and Pong Dam, it was reported that water levels had receded and residents of submerged areas had been safely relocated.

The Chief Minister reviewed the status of tourists stranded in Lahaul-Spiti and was later informed that about 380 tourists at Sissu had been safely evacuated.

Efforts were underway to facilitate the safe passage of others via alternate routes. Power supply had been restored in several areas, and generation resumed at the Thirot sub-station.

Sukhu directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate closely with district administrations to ensure the effective implementation of relief and restoration works.

He was informed that the Pathankot–Chamba road had been reopened for all vehicles, while small vehicles were using the Kamand–Katola road towards Kullu.

The Kullu–Mandi NH-03 had also been opened for light vehicles. However, the Chief Minister ordered that heavy vehicles must be halted at Mandi until roads are fully cleared.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena informed that the situation was being monitored daily, and necessary steps were being taken to provide relief to affected populations.

Divisional and district officials, including Principal Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and other officers, attended the meeting virtually.