Three teams of officials from the Central government are set to visit Himachal Pradesh to assess the flood situation and evaluate the losses in the state. The teams will be visiting Mandi, Kullu, and Rohru areas of Shimla district to gather information and evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
According to state Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, the estimated loss due to the floods is over 4,500 crore. The central teams will further evaluate the losses, which may increase as more assessments are made.
Negi also criticized the former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, accusing him of playing politics instead of focusing on the restoration efforts. He mentioned that Thakur had been visiting the state, but only from his car, without getting down to assess the situation on the ground.
The rescue operation in the Chandra Taal area of Lahaul-Spiti district was challenging due to heavy rain and the lack of a landing space for helicopters. However, Negi and CPS Sanjay Awasthi were airlifted to Losar, from where they cleared a 14-kilometer road covered in snow to reach the stranded tourists. Negi defended the use of rescue helicopters, stating that without them, the tourists would still be stranded.
The state is facing significant challenges in terms of damaged infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and electricity. Restoration work is being carried out on a war footing to ensure that normalcy is restored as soon as possible. In addition, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that an additional one lakh rupees will be provided to those whose houses have been damaged, in addition to the assistance already provided by the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Manual.
Since the onset of monsoon on June 24, heavy rains and floods have claimed 122 lives in Himachal Pradesh. There are still 12 people missing, and 140 people have been injured. The state has also witnessed significant damage to houses, shops, and livestock due to the floods and landslides.
The central government’s visit and assessment of the damages in Himachal Pradesh are crucial for ensuring the allocation of adequate resources for the state’s recovery. It is important for politicians to put aside their differences and work collectively to address the challenges faced by the state in the aftermath of the floods.
With the road infrastructure being severely affected, authorities are taking immediate measures to restore connectivity and provide relief to the stranded individuals. The efforts to rebuild the state’s infrastructure will require time and dedicated resources.
As the state continues its restoration work, it is crucial that all stakeholders come together to support the affected areas and ensure the well-being of the people. The central government’s assessment teams will play a vital role in determining the extent of the losses and facilitating the allocation of resources for the state’s recovery.
The floods in Himachal Pradesh have brought to light the vulnerability of the state to extreme weather events. In order to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future, it is important for the government to invest in infrastructure development and disaster preparedness measures.
Overall, the visit of the central government teams to Himachal Pradesh to assess the losses due to the floods marks a significant step towards the state’s recovery. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together and prioritize the well-being of the affected individuals and areas. The road to recovery may be long, but with concerted efforts and support, Himachal Pradesh will be able to overcome this adversity and rebuild stronger than before.
