Himachal Declared Disaster-Hit as State Battles Monsoon Fury: Relief and Rescue Efforts Intensify
In a decisive move to tackle the widespread devastation caused by relentless rains and landslides, the Himachal Pradesh government has declared the entire state as disaster-hit under the Disaster Management Act. This declaration empowers district authorities to act swiftly and unlocks avenues for central assistance, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced in the Assembly.
The CM expressed gratitude to senior BJP leader and former CM Shanta Kumar, who has written to the Prime Minister urging a ₹20,000 crore special relief package for Himachal. He suggested tapping into the ₹2 lakh crore in unclaimed bank funds to support the state. Acting on Sukhu’s appeal, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania passed a resolution endorsing this demand.
Between August 21 and September 1, districts including Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, and Hamirpur have suffered damages exceeding ₹3,000 crore. The government is working around the clock to provide relief and restore normalcy.
Manimahesh Yatra Rescue Efforts in Full Swing
The sacred Manimahesh Yatra was hit hard, leaving 15,000 pilgrims stranded. So far, 10,000 have been safely evacuated, and air services are being arranged for the rest. Tragically, 16 lives have been lost, and rescue teams are working to recover four bodies still in Kugti, with 20 porters deployed. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi is stationed in Bharmour, while CM Sukhu personally visited Chamba to assess the situation.
Restoration Work Gains Momentum
In Chamba, key roads like the Chamba-Pathankot and Chamba-Bharmour stretches have reopened. Connectivity to Jammu & Kashmir via Chamba-Salooni-Padri Jot has also been restored. Communication is slowly returning, with satellite phones and Airtel’s 2G network now operational in Bharmour.
In Kullu, the Kullu-Mandi National Highway is under repair, and the Katola route is open for light vehicles. Priority is being given to vehicles carrying vegetables and essential supplies. The old Manali bridge is back in service, though Banjar still faces communication challenges.
Two helicopters are stationed in Bharmour, but bad weather continues to hinder operations. The CM mentioned that army helicopters may be deployed if needed. A Poklane machine used for road clearance was damaged by a falling boulder, but fortunately, the operator escaped unharmed.
“We are facing challenges,” Sukhu told the House, “but every possible effort is being made to restore normalcy.”
