Scale of destruction much higher this year: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today conducted an aerial survey of Bharmour, Manimahesh and other disaster-hit areas of Chamba district.

While interacting with media persons at Chamba, the CM said due to the pre-emptive measures taken by the state government, the loss of human lives had been comparatively less than the 2023 devastation. However, the scale of destruction had been much higher this year, he said.

Roads, electricity, water supply and communication services had been badly hit in comparison to 2023, he said.

Sukhu said the entire state had suffered due to incessant rains, landslides and cloudbursts. “The rehabilitation is a challenge but we will overcome this. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless and lost all means of livelihood. We will offer a special relief package to support them,” he added.

The government was committed to providing relief to the disaster-affected people and evacuating those stranded midway due to roads wiped out in Chamba and Bharmour, he said.

The CM stated the state government was working to restore road connectivity as heavy machinery had been deployed in the district.

“The administration has been directed to restore road connectivity at the earliest. However, weather is posing a challenge to the relief and restoration works,” said Sukhu, adding that evacuation of those stranded in Bharmour would dependent on weather conditions.

Criticising the BJP leaders, Sukhu said they were busy spreading rumours instead of extending support to the affected people.

He said the decision to suspend the Manimahesh Yatra had been taken in the wake of prevailing weather conditions, but some people were indulging in petty politics over the issue.

He also underlined the need to conduct a study to know the reasons behind the frequent occurrence of cloudbursts in the state. He said during his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he requested the Centre to form an expert group to look into the matter.

Sukhu also held a meeting with the district administration at NHPC Bhawan, Karian, and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas.

He also visited Kalsuin, from where buses had been arranged to transport Manimahesh pilgrims.

‘No help from Centre in time of distress’

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today expressed regret over the Centre’s failure to extend any financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh in its time of distress.

“Will a natural calamity be now weighed in the scales of politics?” he wrote in a social media post after visiting disaster-hit areas of Chamba district.

Sukhu made a fervent appeal to the Centre not to delay further and to announce a special financial package for the state. “Our people have been devastated, houses have been washed away, lives have been lost and shattered, yet no relief package has been announced by the Centre,” he lamented.

“When times are difficult, then the wait for relief becomes even more painful,” he wrote. He added that the state government, despite its limited resources, had tried to extend support to affected families, as only timely assistance could provide succour.

Visits low-lying areas in Kangra

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today reviewed the situation in low-lying areas of Kangra district, including Fatehpur and Mand in Indora sub-division, following the release of excess water from Pong Dam.

The Chief Minister, who conducted an aerial survey from Pathankot air force station, said the state government was committed to ensuring the safety of affected families and providing special relief packages. “Our foremost responsibility is to rehabilitate those who have been rendered homeless and to restore means of livelihood. Relief and rehabilitation work are being carried out on a war footing,” he said.

Sukhu also held a review meeting with Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa at Pathankot air force station, directing him to expedite evacuation and provide shelter, food and other essentials to those affected by the high discharge from Pong Dam. He instructed the DC to closely monitor water levels and ensure precautionary measures were in place to prevent loss of life and property.

The CM said that although human casualties had been minimal due to timely evacuation, the damage to roads, electricity and water supply infrastructure in Kangra district was extensive. “The communication network has also been hit badly, but restoration works are under way. Our teams are working round the clock despite adverse weather conditions,” he added.

Sukhu urged the Centre to set up an expert group to suggest long-term mitigation measures.