Monsoon havoc: Kangra suffers Rs 103 crore loss

Heavy rainfall that lashed Kangra district after midnight on Monday and early Tuesday morning has caused widespread destruction, with the total estimated loss crossing Rs 103 crore. In the past 24 hours alone, damages worth Rs 2.14 crore were reported, according to the District Emergency Operation Center (DEOC).

Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh stated that the Jal Shakti Department faced the maximum damage of Rs 59.95 crore, followed by the Public Works Department with Rs 41.07 crore. The Electricity Board reported a loss of Rs 81.69 lakh, while the Education Department suffered damages amounting to Rs 23.68 lakh. The Horticulture Department incurred crop damage worth Rs 18.06 lakh and the Agriculture Department reported a loss of Rs 1.15 lakh.

Residential damages were also significant. Six kutcha houses collapsed, resulting in a loss of Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, 33 kutcha and 10 pucca houses were partially damaged, with a combined loss of Rs 26.66 lakh. A total of 78 huts collapsed, causing damage worth Rs 65.81 lakh and 51 cowsheds were damaged, adding a further loss of Rs 27.23 lakh.

The Deputy Commissioner urged residents to stay alert, especially those living near rivers and streams, as more rainfall is expected. He appealed to the public to avoid going near the Beas River and to contact local authorities or the District Disaster Control Room in case of any emergency. The toll-free number is 1077 and the landline is 01972-221277.

In a separate incident, a construction company working on the Shimla-Mator National Highway suffered a major loss near Hathali Khud. A landslide buried an excavator worth Rs 1.5 crore, and several machines and construction materials were washed away in the floodwaters.