Himachal Governor meets disaster-hit people in Seraj, disburses relief material

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla visited the disaster-affected areas of Thunag, Bagsyad and Janjehli in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district today. He met with the affected families and handed over essential relief materials to them.

In Thunag, the Governor interacted with disaster-hit people and said that the subdivision had suffered extensive damage in the recent cloudbursts and flashfloods. Huge losses to private property, land and livestock had been caused. He added that the cases of over Rs 3 crore in compensation had been approved for the final sanction.

The Governor said, “Thunag has suffered massive damage and loss but the courage and determination of local residents are commendable. While a complete compensation for the damage is not possible, every effort will be made to provide assistance at all levels.” He emphasised the need for considering both internal resources and additional arrangements to tackle such situations effectively.

The Governor visited a relief camp at Bagsyad and held discussions with the affected residents at the Public Works Department (PWD) Rest House in Thunag. He later visited the Panchayat Ghar at Pakhrair and reviewed the situation in the affected areas of Jhundi and Pakhrair panchayats. The Governor also met with the disaster-hit families of Janjehli and offered words of comfort to them.

He said that five truckloads of relief material had already been dispatched to Mandi and one truckload to Kullu from Raj Bhawan. He assured people that more assistance would be sent promptly if the district administration requested for it.

The Governor said that it was a calamity and immediate restoration was a challenge. There was a pressing need to take preventive measures to avoid such situations in future, he added.

He said that the recent Supreme Court’s observations on environmental protection should be taken seriously and acted upon collectively. He added that a Central team had visited Mandi to assess the causes of the disaster and the extent of damage caused. This would help in guiding future planning and mitigation efforts, he claimed.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who accompanied the Governor, said that the people of the region were still in deep shock, as their sources of livelihood had been destroyed. He appreciated the state government for restoring essential services like roads, electricity and water supply with the help of the district administration. He also thanked the Governor for extending support through the Red Cross Society.

Thakur said rehabilitation was a major challenge as most of the affected people were still living in temporary accommodation. Local residents shared their experiences and concerns with the Governor.