Working on war footing to restore roads in flood-hit Seraj, Nachan: PWD Minister

Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh today said that the state government was working on a war footing to restore roads in the flood-affected ares of Mandi district and ensuring the swift delivery of relief and rehabilitation aid to the stranded population.

Vikramaditya, while addressing mediapersons during a visit to the Nachan and Seraj constituencies in Mandi district, shared his experience of immense challenges he faced in reaching Thunag, one of the worst-affected areas, due to road blockades. The minister undertook a difficult journey via Bagasyad and Leh Galla, walking a significant stretch to reach Thunag and assess firsthand the damage caused by flashfloods. “The suffering of the affected families is beyond words. The government is committed to helping them rebuild their lives,” he added.

He said efforts were being made to reconnect Thunag to Bagasyad and Janjehli to Karsog to facilitate essential supplies and mobility. He added that the possibility of channeling the local stream (khad) in Thunag was being explored to prevent future damage to public and private property.

The minister met several families in Dan, Gohar, Tilli, Baga, Pangliur, Syanj and Sakoli Khad areas, which had lost their homes or loved ones in the rain disaster. To support homeless families, Vikramaditya announced that the government would provide Rs 5,000 per month for rented accommodation until permanent housing was arranged.

He said that the cloudburst and heavy rainfall had damaged nearly 250 roads and 14 bridges in Mandi district, including six bridges in Thunag subdivision. He directed officials concerned to expedite the construction of a bridge between Baga and Pangliur. The PWD would take up the reconstruction of roads to Chadda Nala, Peehan and Phagwar in Gawad panchayat.

On the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the district administration has mobilised resources through helicopters, light vehicles, mules, Home Guard jawans and porters to ensure relief reaches every corner of the devastated district. Medical teams and adequate supplies of medicines have also been dispatched to prevent a health crisis.

Vikramaditya was accompanied by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Congress leader from Seraj Vijay Pal Singh and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, besides senior officials of the PWD, Jal Shakti, and Power departments.