Mandi MC pledges stronger disaster readiness

The Mandi Municipal Corporation convened its General House meeting on Saturday under the chairmanship of Mayor Virender Bhatt Sharma, with disaster response and urban development topping the agenda. The session began on a somber note, as councillors and officials observed a two-minute silence in memory of three residents who tragically lost their lives in a recent disaster in Ward No. 8. Condolences were extended to the bereaved families, setting the tone for discussions centreed on preparedness and recovery.

Executive Engineer Dharmendrer Verma of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) briefed the House on the relief operations in disaster-hit areas. He informed members that rehabilitation and repair work was progressing steadily. However, the Mayor pointed out a pressing challenge—the shortage of staff in the Municipal Corporation’s technical branch. To overcome this gap, the corporation resolved to seek assistance from other state departments such as Rural Development, HPPWD and HIMUDA, ensuring continuity of essential works.

In a major safety directive, officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were instructed to take immediate action against hazardous rocks looming over Khaliyar and the Old Mandi Bridge. The Mayor emphasised that these posed a direct threat to lives and property. The NHAI was also told to expedite road repairs, including potholes, culverts and storm-water drains within municipal limits.

The issue of dangerously hanging power lines across the city was raised with the HP State Electricity Board. Responding to safety concerns, the Assistant Engineer confirmed that a Rs 20–25 crore project has been sanctioned to lay both LT and HT power lines underground. Additionally, the installation of new transformers has been planned to ensure safer and more efficient electricity distribution across the city.

The Jal Shakti Department was tasked with clearing pipes obstructing city drains and nalas to ensure smooth flow of water. Sewerage chambers are to be cleaned using modern pressure-based systems. In an innovative step, the Corporation also agreed to explore the use of natural water sources during emergencies, initiating this project on priority.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Jal Shakti Department has received approval for a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to install pumps capable of extracting sludge from drains in Indira Market. Sewerage projects in the Sanyardh and Bijni areas will also be undertaken soon.

To strengthen civic maintenance, the Corporation announced collaboration with ITI-Mandi under the “Kaushal Aapke Dwar” (Skills at Your Doorstep) initiative. This partnership will support the upkeep of welding works, streetlights, and other essential repairs across the city.

The meeting also approved a proposal to be placed before the State Executive Committee for acquiring advanced equipment for emergency response. This includes hydraulic cutters, stretchers, flashlights, headlamps, portable generators, pneumatic lifts, brush cutters and concrete cutters. These tools, to be procured through the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are expected to enhance the Corporation’s disaster readiness.

The session saw active participation from Deputy Mayor Madhuri Kapoor, councillors, and officials including Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour and Additional Commissioner Vijay Kumar. Ward councillors, including Alaknanda Handa, Sumesh Upadhyay, Rajender Mohan, Yograj, Sudesh Kumari, Hardeep Singh and others, raised local priorities ranging from infrastructure gaps to public safety concerns.

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on inter-departmental coordination, disaster management and sustainable development, signaling a proactive roadmap for Mandi’s future.