Restoration of roads, power demanded

Our Correspondent

Chamba, February 15

The Chamba District Vikas Jan Manch has demanded immediate restoration of roads, power and water supply in the areas cut-off from the main district in the aftermath of heavy snowfall and rain.

Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, Bhuvaneshwar Sharma, convener of the manch, said that several areas of Bharmour, Pangi, Churah and non-tribal panchayats were still cut-off from the mainland as roads were covered with heavy snow.

Electricity supply continued to remain disrupted in many snowbound areas and in the absence of electricity it had become difficult for students to prepare for the forthcoming annual examinations. Mobile phones were also not working, he said.

“It will be the responsibility of the state government if any person dies of hunger or severe cold conditions,” he said.

Sharma said that disasters occurring in the far-flung mountainous terrains due to heavy snowfall should be dealt with priority.

Mentioning about the problems of farmers and orchardists, Sharma demanded to assess the losses of crops, collapsed houses and cowsheds and provide them immediate compensation. He demanded restoration of roads, water and power supply and airdropping of essential commodities.

Putting a question mark on the credibility of the disaster management committees, Sharma said why prior arrangements were not made to tackle the prevailing situation. He alleged that the claims of such committees combating the disasters had proved hollow.

Sharma supported the efforts of Dalhousie MLA Asha Kumari for raising the problems of far-flung areas of the district in the ongoing session of the Vidhan Sabha.

Meanwhile, official communiqués issued by the district administration stated that the restoration work of roads, electricity and water supply had been undertaken on a war footing in the affected areas.