Relief, rehab work in full swing in Mandi, says CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said the state government was working round-the-clock to provide relief and rehabilitation to people affected by natural disaster in Mandi district.

“Many relief camps had been set up in rest houses to accommodate the affected families, while those wishing to move into rented accommodation would be given Rs 5,000 per month as rental assistance by the state government,” he said, while responding to a question on relief measures in the disaster-hit district.

The CM urged the tourists not to get influenced by negative picture being portrayed about state tourism on social media. “Some regions have been impacted by rains, but a large portion of the state is safe and open for tourists,” he said.

The CM offered prayers at Jakhu Temple in Shimla, seeking peace and prosperity for people of the state and took part in the installation ceremony of a 108-feet high Hanuman Dhwaja (flag). The temple is home to the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, and there are plans to erect a statue of Lord Rama as well. Later, the CM inaugurated a newly constructed rest house of the Public Works Department at Chhota Shimla. The rest house with nine suites has been built at a cost of Rs 4.15 crore. “The government rest houses are being made available to people at uniform rates through online booking,” he said.