Chamba MLA counters Opposition criticism, highlights govt’s relief efforts for disaster affected

Responding to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s remarks, Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar said recent floods and landslides during the Manimahesh Yatra were “unprecedented calamity seen after decades”.

Addressing a press conference here, Nayar said the district received nearly 200 per cent excess rainfall, leading to severe damage to infrastructure, roads, connectivity and basic services.

“Mobile connectivity in Chamba remained cut off for 72 hours, creating panic among pilgrims and locals. Thousands of pilgrims were stranded, but local residents, panchayats and various organisations and religious institutions opened their doors to provide shelter and food to them,” said Nayar.

He said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appointed Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to oversee the restoration efforts.

“Contrary to the Opposition claims of slow work, relief material was airlifted to Bharmour and the road connectivity to the tribal Valley restored in record seven days,” he said. The MLA pointed out that temporary power lines and transformers were installed to restore electricity in villages cut off for 15–20 days, and emergency pipelines were laid to supply drinking water. He said the field staff of various departments worked round the clock during the rescue and restoration operation “risking their own lives”.

Nayar also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Rs 1,500 crore relief package, but urged that it should be untied funds so the state could allocate money where most needed.

Highlighting state relief measures, he said MGNREGA man-days per family were increased to support the rural households, and the disaster relief manual had been made public to ensure transparency. He said housing for those who lost land remained a challenge due to legal constraints under the Forest Conservation Act.

Rejecting Opposition’s allegations that disaster funds were being misused, he said, “Relief money is scheme-based and cannot be diverted. These claims are misleading. Every effort has been made to provide immediate assistance to the affected people.” — OC