‘95% roads restored in Kotkhai: Himachal Education Minister

Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Wednesday said about 95 per cent of damaged roads in Kotkhai subdivision of Shimla district have been restored, while efforts are underway to make the remaining routes operational soon.

During his visit to Kotkhai, the minister reviewed the damage caused by heavy rains and directed authorities to expedite road restoration to ensure apple and vegetable growers do not suffer losses due to transport delays.

Thakur said 1.5 crore apple boxes, nearly 60 per cent of total production, have already reached markets this season. Arrangements are being made to successfully deliver the remaining 40 per cent. He added that all 37 apple collection centres in Kotkhai subdivision are functional and so far, 11,000 metric tonnes of apples have been procured, with 7,000 MT already dispatched.

Highlighting the extent of losses, the minister said about 300 roads under the Public Works Department in the area have suffered damages worth Rs 170 crore, with the Theog-Hatkoti road alone incurring Rs 40 crore in losses. He inspected disaster-hit areas including Gumma, Khaltu Nala, Bagain, Deori-Khaneti and Chashla-Deorighat.

Thakur assured locals that once the apple season concludes, permanent repairs will be carried out, including reconstruction of sheds and restoration of damaged infrastructure. For now, the top priority is ensuring smooth movement of produce to the markets.

He also directed officials to provide immediate relief and assistance to affected families. “The government’s aim is to extend maximum benefits so that people can return to normal life at the earliest. Any negligence in relief distribution will not be tolerated,” he stressed.

So far, eight houses have been completely destroyed and 40 partially damaged in Kotkhai subdivision. Thakur noted that the state government has made historic amendments to the disaster relief manual, significantly increasing the compensation amounts. He further said water and electricity supply has been fully restored in the subdivision and lauded officials for their coordinated efforts during the crisis.