Rs 168crore damage in Bilaspur, admn springs into action

Bilaspur district has suffered damages exceeding Rs 168 crore due to recent natural calamities, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar said while addressing the media.

He said the Public Works Department was the worst hit, reporting losses of over Rs 117 crore. The Jal Shakti Department recorded damages worth Rs 32.10 crore, while the Electricity Department reported losses of around Rs 19 lakh. Additionally, cowsheds, kitchens, toilets and other small structures collectively sustained damages estimated at Rs 7.62 crore.

To support the affected, the administration has set up seven relief camps across the district. Currently, 22 families comprising 99 people are residing in these shelters. In the Sadar constituency, community halls and panchayat buildings have been converted into camps — such as those at Bhadrog (two families), Dakri (two families) and Amarpur (one family). In Jhanduta’s Marotan Panchayat, five families with 18 members are staying in camps. In the Sri Naina Devi Ji constituency, shelters were established at ITI-Swarghat (three families), Naliya Dadhwal Panchayat (one family, four members) and Madyali Panchayat (eight families, 38 members).

Kumar added that 42 families with 99 members have been shifted to rented accommodations to ensure their safety. Reassuring the public, the DC said the administration is committed to providing safe housing and necessary assistance. “Relief efforts will continue until complete rehabilitation is ensured,” he emphasised.