Himachal CM Sukhu expresses grief over loss of lives in Chamba amid torrential rains
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania emphasized coordination between NHAI, MoRTH officials, and the PWD for timely restoration of roads and effective communication with the PWD Minister.
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At least four pilgrims have died during Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba in the last three days. (PTI)Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives in Chamba following incessant rains over the past 72 hours. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the state government stands firmly with them during this tragic time.
At least four pilgrims have died during Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba in the last three days.
Sukhu also directed the Chamba district administration to restore road connectivity in the disaster-hit areas on priority, emphasizing the need to ensure that people do not face further hardships caused by landslides and flash floods. He also instructed officials to immediately repair damaged water supply schemes to prevent disruption of essential services. He further stressed the importance of ensuring timely availability of essential commodities in affected areas.
Speaker convenes meeting on disaster
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania Thursday convened a meeting with senior officials from the Public Works Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to review the widespread damage caused by heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods in several districts.
Pathania said the committee’s decisions must be implemented in letter and spirit, warning that any laxity would amount to contempt of the House.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, DGP Ashok Tiwari, NHAI general manager (Shimla) Colonel Ajay Singh Bargoti, deputy GMs Rakesh Deepak and Amit Prabhat, PWD Secretary Abhishek Jain, Joint Secretary Harbans Briscon, and other senior officials.
Addressing media after the meeting, the Speaker said detailed discussions were held on all aspects, and necessary directions were issued. He emphasized coordination between NHAI, MoRTH officials, and the PWD for timely restoration of roads and effective communication with the PWD Minister.
The Speaker noted that about 850 km of four-lane roads are under construction in Himachal, which has a direct bearing on public interest. He asked NHAI to expedite the restoration of blocked highways and frame a robust policy to mitigate landslides and road blockages caused during monsoon.
Manimahesh Yatra: all pilgrims safe, says chief secy
All pilgrims stranded along the Manimahesh yatra route in Chamba are safe and the situation is under control and the “district administration has been keeping a close watch on the situation 24X7,” Chief Secretary Saxena Thursday said.
Saxena, who held a meeting to assess the monsoon damage in the state, particularly in Chamba, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti districts, said, Internet connectivity has been restored in Chamba town and is expected to be restored in Bharmour soon
He said the administration’s top priority is to evacuate the nearly 3,000 pilgrims to Manimahesh, who have been stranded in Bharmour. He said that around 10,000 people were stranded in Chamba town because of landslides between Bagga and Durgathi areas. If need be, ration and other necessary items will be airlifted to Bharmour, he said.
Saxena said that Speaker Pathania will visit Chamba Friday morning, while Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh were already on their way to the district.
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