Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reviewed the situation arising out of the torrential rains across the State and directed the district administrations to intensify rescue and relief operations on war footing, while ensuring early restoration of essential services such as electricity, water supply, and road connectivity.
He appreciated the relentless efforts of district administrations, police personnel, NDRF and SDRF teams, officers of various departments, NGOs, and individuals who are working round the clock to provide relief and assistance to the affected people. He took detailed stock of the damages reported from different districts and instructed officers to personally visit the affected areas to extend all possible help to people in distress.
“There is no dearth of funds and the administration must ensure timely action,” he asserted. Sh. Sukhu directed the Chamba administration for immediate evacuation of stranded Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims and to coordinate with the Air Force for deployment of 5–6 MI-17 helicopters, expected to operate from Thursday as and when the weather improves.
He also asked the administration to stay in touch with the families of the stranded pilgrims, ensuring proper food arrangements and priority restoration of road connectivity.The Chief Minister further directed close coordination with Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who has been camping at Bharmour for the past several days to oversee relief and rescue operations.
He also enquired about students from Kerala stranded in Kinnaur and instructed that their safe return to their homes be ensured free of cost. Reviewing the situation in Kullu district, Sh. Sukhu directed that road restoration in the worst-hit Banjar and Anni regions should be expedited.
He said heavy machinery would be airlifted with the help of Air Force helicopters to accelerate restoration works. He directed the HPSEB to restore the electricity supply in Chopal area of Shimla district immediately. Keeping in view the ongoing apple season, the Chief Minister instructed the PWD and NHAI to prioritize restoration of road connectivity in the apple belts of the state so that growers do not suffer losses.
The Chief Minister said that cumulative losses of Rs. 3526 crore had been estimated during current monsoon season till 2 September. He said that 122 landslides, 95 flash flood and 45 cloud bursts have occurred so far and around 341 persons have lost their lives during the monsoon spell till date.
He expressed grief over eleven deaths in various parts of the State during past 24 hours due to heavy downpour. According to reports reaching at State headquarters, seven deaths have been reported at Sundernagar of Mandi district, two in Kullu district and two at Bithal in Shimla district.
He said that the State Government stands firmly with the affected families during this hour of grief and added that it would provide all possible assistance to the aggrieved families. He prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretary to Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary Revenue D.C. Rana were present at Shimla while Deputy Commissioners and SP's from the districts joined the meeting virtually.