Mandi faces Rs 194.5 cr in damages

The total estimated loss in the district due to monsoon has surpassed Rs 194.50 crore, according to official figures released by the district administration here on Wednesday the major loss was incurred to the Jal Shakti Vibhag of Rs 94.73 crore, followed by the Public Works Department (PWD) with damages worth Rs 89.54 crore. Other departments affected included the Electricity Board Rs 1.83 crore, Education Department Rs 1.85 crore, Health Department Rs 1.5 lakh and the Fisheries Department Rs 55,000. The Horticulture Department has reported crop damages of Rs 18.06 lakh, while the Agriculture Department reported losses of Rs 1.15 lakh.

Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh said a number of houses had also suffered significant damage, including 51 kutcha houses and four pucca houses completely destroyed in the district, resulting in a loss of around Rs 1.61 crore. Additionally, 284 kutcha houses and 19 pucca houses were partially damaged, incurring losses of over Rs 1.77 crore. While 38 other buildings sustained damages of nearly Rs 14.70 lakh.

The DC said monsoon fury also led to the collapse of 126 retaining walls, causing damages worth Rs 1.11 crore. Furthermore, 371 cowsheds were damaged with losses estimated at Rs 1.69 crore. The DC said officers of all departments are advised to submit detailed damage reports promptly. He added that the aim is to expedite relief and assistance to the affected families.