'Rescue Operation Has Ended, All Tourists Safe And Secure': Himachal CM Urges Focus On Restoration

As rainfall continue to worsen the flood situation in Himachal Pradesh, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a virtual meet with SDMA to take stock of the present situation.

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says relief efforts on as flood wreak havoc in state.

Source : PTI

Amid ongoing flood and landslides in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually presided over a review meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, (SDMA) on Monday. He took stock of the situation and gave necessary directions to the authorities, as per an official release. Talking to PTI, the CM said that the videos that he has received show the extent of havoc which hasn't been seen in the last 50 years.

The CM said that nature’s fury has claimed the lives of 17 persons apart from causing extensive damage to the roads,  power transformers, electric sub-stations and numerous water supply schemes. He said that an initial estimate of loss at present ranges from Rs 3000 crore to Rs. 4000 crore. To accurately evaluate the damages caused, the Chief Minister directed the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to convene a meeting soon. He also directed all the Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant for the next 10 days and provide all possible assistance to the affected persons, the release added. 

VIDEO | "I am virtually in touch with District Commissioner Kullu. I will personally visit the affected areas when the weather improves. The videos that I have received show the extent of havoc which hasn't been seen in the last 50 years," says Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder… pic.twitter.com/q2sk82hHKz

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 10, 2023

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the landslides and flash floods, the Chief Minister assured that the State Government is making all-out efforts to tackle this situation efficiently. According to the release, he said that prompt rescue operations were launched in the affected areas and many precious lives had been saved by taking in-time action. Sukhu asked the district authorities to involve representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions and local residents to undertake relief and rescue operations and instructed immediate restoration of electricity and water supply in affected areas so that people do not face many inconveniences. He also directed for construction of Bailey Bridges to replace the damaged ones, in order to facilitate the stranded people. 

Sukhu said that efforts were underway to evacuate around 300 stranded tourists and residents in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts by using helicopters once the weather permits. The Chief Minister also directed to make adequate arrangements for accommodation, food, and essential items for the people stranded besides preparing a State-wise list of stranded tourists. He said that the torrential rains has caused huge losses in the State and caused much damage to life and property during the last few days. 

Instructing Deputy Commissioners to expedite relief work, Sukhu assured that the State Government will ensure sufficient funds available for assisting the affected people. He said that he would likely visit the affected areas soon to have on the spot assessment, the official release said. 

Meanwhile, talking to the news agency ANI, Sukhu thanked his minister and other state government officials for promptly acting in this emergency situation. He said that now focus remains on restoration once the rain stops and said that tourists who have been rescued are totally safe. Acknowledging the loss of property, he said that electric power structures, water supply have been severely damaged and roads are blocked and the government will primarily work to restore them. 

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu speaks on relief and restoration measures being taken by his government, in view of flash floods, landslides and damage to infrastructure due to continuous heavy rain in the state pic.twitter.com/equdLkSh0L

— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2023

With the apple season approaching, the Chief Minister emphasised the restoration of roads in apple-growing regions at the earliest to ensure smooth transportation of apple crops thereby preventing losses to the apple growers. He asked to keep the Parwanoo-Rohru, Theog to Rampur, Chhaila to Kumarhatti roads and other apple belt roads open and deploy additional men and machinery to clear the debris to ensure smooth transportation of apple laden vehicles.  He directed to allocate rupees four crore for immediate improvements of roads in these areas. 

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra has been directed to halt for the rest of the season due to six deaths reported during the pilgrimage.  

The virtual meeting was attended by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma.