Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today visited Pandoh and Aut in Mandi district, which have suffered a huge loss due to heavy rains, landslides and floods. He interacted with the affected people and inquired about the relief and rehabilitation works being implemented by the administration.
The Governor also inspected the nearly 100 year old bridge at Pandoh which has been damaged due to floods. He visited the houses of the affected families at Lower Pandoh and gave consolation and assurance for relief.
He also visited the Power House of Larji Hydro Electric Project and the Dwada area at Aut. He also inspected the damaged bridge at Aut.
Later, the Governor distributed relief material to flood affected families through District Red Cross Mandi in a program organized at Third Indian Reserve Corps, Pandoh. On the occasion, the Governor expressed his gratitude for the relief amount of Rs. 350 crore given by the Central Government to the State as an immediate relief.
He also assured more help to the affected. He said that the promptness of the officers of the district administration towards relief and rescue operation was commendable.
He also thanked and appreciated the Indian Air Force and paramilitary forces engaged in the rescue operation. “It is a huge loss and after complete assessment we can say something”, he said and directed the district administration to give a detailed report regarding the losses.
He said that on the basis of the report he would also talk to the central government to provide more relief to the State. The Governor said that there was a need to take lessons from nature and such efforts should be made so that no more damage takes place in future.
On this occasion, he also announced to give his one month salary to the relief fund. The Governor also visited the ancient Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple in Mandi and took stock of the revival works of the temple.
Due to the increase in the water level of Beas River half of the temple was submerged in water. Despite this, the temple remained intact and safe.
The Governor paid obeisance and prayed to Lord Shiva for everyone's safety. Local MLA Anil Sharma was also present on the occasion.
Earlier, Regional Officer, National Highways Authority of India, Abdul Basit and Project Director, Project Implementation Unit, Mandi Varun Chari called on the Governor at Sundernagar and apprised him about the losses in the circle. He said that Pandoh-Nerchowk NH-154, 03, whose length is 26 km. have been damaged at many places and the work on removing slides is in progress.
MLA Drang Puran Chand Thakur, Secretary to the Governor, Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Arindam Chowdhary, Superintendent of Police Soumya Sambsivan and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.