Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur reviewed the losses, restoration and rescue operations being under taken by the State Government keeping in view the incessant and heavy snowfall in the State on 22nd January 2019.Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and PWD Manisha Nanda apprised Chief Minister about the situation in various snow bound districts with the restoration work being carried out by the PWD, IPH and HPSEBL.Additional Chief Secretary cum Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Chairman, HPSEB Dr. Shrikant Baldi was also present in the meeting and he briefed about the power failures in various areas and steps being taken for early restoration of power supply.As per PWD the total number of roads closed in the state are 690 out of these 200 roads will be cleared by today whereas, 199 roads will be opened by 24 January 2019 and remaining 291 roads will be opened after 24th January. The PWD loss has been assessed Rs. 51.92 crore which may increase after final assessment of loss and damage to the roads. Total 350 number of machinery has been deployed for restoration of the roads.
As per HPSEB out of total 5058 affected Distribution Transformer (DTRs), 2625 have been restored and balance 2483 DTRs will be restored soon. The South Zone has been severely affected during this snowfall.Total 189 IPH water supply schemes have been affected by this snowfall and total loss assessed more than 3 crore. However, the number may rise as some of the areas are still inaccessible. The restoration will be done within next two days.According to reports reaching at State headquarter, a massive landslide at Khalaranala, Lug valley block Kullu occurred today where 2 vehicles were buried in the muck of landslide, it has been cleared now by the teams rushed to the spot for rescue. Deputy Commissioner Kullu Yunus himself went to the spot. Total 6 person were rescued while 2 person sustained minor injuries are getting treatment at Regional Hospital Kullu. The interim relief has been provided to the affected persons.The Chief Minister has directed to restore the electricity, water supply and roads at the earliest.