Himachal in Crisis: Floods Wreak Havoc, CPI(M) Demands Urgent Action
The picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh have turned into a nightmare for its residents as relentless rains continue to batter the state, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Families are mourning lost loved ones, farmers watch helplessly as their crops rot, and entire villages remain cut off from basic necessities.
A State Under Water
Imagine waking up to find your home washed away, your livestock gone, and no road left to escape. This is the grim reality for thousands in Himachal today. The numbers are staggering:
- 261 lives lost, with 38 still missing
- Over 2,000 homes damaged – 566 completely destroyed
- Apple orchards worth crores now lie buried under sludge
- National highways resemble raging rivers, isolating the state
In Shimla, even the Chief Minister’s residence wasn’t spared as landslides threatened the capital. The famous Mall Road now sees desperate queues for drinking water instead of tourists.
Voices From the Ground
Local CPI(M) leader Sanjay Chauhan shares heartbreaking accounts:
“An elderly couple in Kullu watched their home of 40 years slide down the mountain in seconds. Farmers in Kinnaur are carrying apples on their backs through dangerous paths because trucks can’t reach them.”
The human cost extends beyond infrastructure:
- Patients in remote areas can’t reach hospitals
- School buildings converted into makeshift shelters
- Shopkeepers count losses as perishable goods spoil
Political Response and Public Anger
While the CPI(M) has presented a 12-point demand list, public frustration is mounting. Many ask why:
- Warnings from meteorologists went unheeded
- Illegal construction on riverbeds continued unchecked
- Relief reaches some areas faster than others
“The government talks about ‘double-engine growth’, but where are the engines now when we need them?” asks a taxi driver in Manali, his livelihood washed away with the Beas river overflowing.
How You Can Help
- Donate responsibly: Contribute to verified relief funds
- Volunteer: Medical professionals and engineers urgently needed
- Spread awareness: Share accurate information on social media
The CPI(M) has set up helplines in all districts (contact numbers below) and is coordinating with local NGOs for relief distribution.
The Road Ahead
As climate experts warn of more extreme weather events, this tragedy raises uncomfortable questions about development priorities in the Himalayas. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and rebuilding – one shattered home at a time.
“The mountains will heal, but will we learn?” – Local environmental activist
