Damage to public utilities, private properties in Karsog reviewed

An Inter-Ministerial Central team visited Karsog subdivision in Mandi district yesterday to assess the damage caused by recent natural disasters, including heavy rainfall, landslides, and cloudbursts. The team conducted an on-ground assessment of the affected areas and reviewed the extent of destruction to infrastructure, agriculture and essential services.

The team visited several disaster-hit locations such as Shankar Dehra, Sanarli, Sarkol and Kutti, where they inspected the damage to public utilities and private properties. Particular attention was given to the water supply schemes of the Jal Shakti Department, damaged roads under the Public Works Department and the destruction of cultivable land and orchards under the Agriculture and Horticulture departments.

Additional District Magistrate Mandi Madan Kumar briefed the Central team about the scale of destruction in the Karsog region and the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He provided detailed reports on the measures taken by the district administration to mitigate the impact of the disaster and assist the affected population.

The Central team comprised Wasim Ashraf, Director, Central Water Commission (CWC), Shimla (representing the Ministry of Jal Shakti), AK Kushwaha, Chief Engineer, Regional Office Shimla, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Dr Vikrant Singh, Joint Director, Directorate of Wheat Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Dr DC Rana, Director and Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Upon their arrival at Shankar Dehra village, the team was welcomed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karsog Gaurav Mahajan, who also briefed them about the losses incurred in the region due to the natural calamity.

Officials from various concerned departments were present during the visit. The inspection aimed to provide the Central Government with first-hand information to formulate appropriate support and relief strategies for the region.