Union Minister visits disaster-hit areas of Chamba, inspects road restoration work

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey today visited the disaster-hit areas of Chamba district. Upon his arrival at the Dharamsala airport, Bharmour MLA Janak Raj and former Bhattiyat MLA Bikram Jaryal received him. They briefed the minister about the extent of damage the floods had caused in Chamba.

Uikey inspected the road construction and maintenance work and directed the officials concerned to expedite relief measures in coordination with his ministry. He also met members of tribal communities, including Gaddis and Gujjars, listened to their concerns and assured them of government support.

The Bharmour MLA said that the Union Minister’s visit would boost the ongoing relief operations.

Uikey, while addressing mediapersons, said that his visit was guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's compassion, service spirit and welfare-oriented vision. “In this hour of crisis, our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions of the state and immediately sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation to ensure timely assistance and essential resources and the restoration of basic facilities,” he added.

Uikey said that the Prime Minister considers Himachal Pradesh his “second home” and had specially deputed him to interact with people and report on the impact of flashfloods. The Union Minister added that the Central Government had released Rs 6,625 crore for disaster relief in Himachal Pradesh so far and assured it of more funds in the coming months. “We pray for the safety of all and for life to soon return to normal in the state,” he added.

He said that he was in Kangra to share the pain of the flood victims and pledge his services. "With determination and cooperation, we will together overcome the pain inflicted by this disaster and prioritise the needs of the region," he added.