Himachal CM Sukhu demands more Automatic Weather Stations for flood-hit state

Sukhu, while presiding over a high-level meeting in Shimla late on Wednesday, directed the departments concerned to take appropriate steps to increase the number of AWS and stressed for setting up a weather observatory centre in the state.

“Effective steps should be taken to fortify the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and equip it with the latest equipment and technology to deal with emergencies,” he said, adding that more hi-tech machinery to lift heavy structures and heavy bar cutting enforcements were required to save the lives of people trapped underneath buildings in case of natural disasters.

The Chief Minister said that due to heavy rain, a large number of trees were uprooted in different parts of the state, adding that cutting and disposal of these trees and logs should be ensured properly.

CM Sukhu also emphasized on afforestation drives once the state returns to normalcy.

In situation of road blockades in Kullu district, Sukhu directed the authorities to make arrangements for a standby helicopter to airlift the critically-ill patients. He also sought information from the officers about the relief and rescue works being carried out in different areas of the state and directed them to provide all possible help to the disaster-affected people.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, principal secretaries, secretaries and other senior officers attended the meeting.