‘Uncertainty is unbearable’: Govt inaction makes Mandi people fear for their lives
Dipender Manta
Mandi, July 12
The residents of the area near Vishwakarma temple in Mandi city continue to live under the threat of a disaster after the onset of monsoon in the state.
The area had witnessed a devastating landslide last year in which some houses were badly damaged, while the others are threatened. The affected area was covered with a tarpaulin. It has been a year when the temporary measure was taken but the step taken offers little reassurance to the local residents. A proposed protective wall, estimated to cost Rs 1.17 crore, has not been built in the absence of fund approval from the state government.
No Remedial steps taken for want of funds
- Houses and a protection wall near the Vishwakarma temple in Mandi were damaged due to heavy rains last year
- A landslide left houses in the area vulnerable but no steps have been taken due to the lack of funds
- The landslide area covered with a temporary tarpaulin since last year
- A proposed protection wall, estimated to cost Rs 1.17 crore, yet to be constructed
- The protection wall be constructed in the area after the monsoon season, says Apoorv Devgan, DC
The landslide last year had left several houses in the area vulnerable. The tarpaulin cover, while initially provided a semblance of protection, is not a long-term safeguard against the forces of nature.
The residents are worried over the indifference of the state government in addressing their concerns. “Uncertainty is unbearable. We fear for our lives every time it rains heavily,” laments Ranpat Rana and Karan Gupta, both local residents.
The district administration had submitted a proposal for the construction of a protective wall to mitigate landslide risks and protect the nearby homes. However, despite grave situation, Rs 1.17 crore was yet to be sanctioned.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan acknowledged the gravity of the situation and said a protection wall would be constructed in the affected area.
Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma said he had raised the issue with the state government, but due to the ongoing rainy season, the construction of the protection wall could not be started.
