CM Sukhu Visits Disaster-Hit Areas of Chamba, Reviews Relief Measures; Helicopter Services Likely by Year-End.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday visited the rain-ravaged areas of Chamba district to assess the damage caused by heavy rains and landslides during the ongoing monsoon season. During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed relief and restoration efforts, interacted with affected families, and assured them of all possible assistance from the state government. He also inspected the under-construction heliport at Sultanpur and said helicopter services in the district are likely to commence by the end of this year or early next year.
The Chief Minister began his visit by inspecting the Sheetla Bridge and the Rana Mohalla area of Sultanpur, two locations that have suffered extensive damage due to incessant rainfall and landslides. He met local residents and families affected by the natural calamity, listened to their grievances, and assured them that the government would stand firmly with them during this difficult time.
Expressing concern over the losses suffered by the district, Sukhu noted that Chamba had also witnessed extensive damage during last year’s monsoon and had once again been severely affected this season.
“The state government is committed to providing every possible relief and assistance to the affected families,” he said, adding that all departments have been directed to work in coordination to restore normalcy at the earliest.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the restoration of essential public services, including drinking water supply, electricity, road connectivity and other basic infrastructure. He stressed that damaged roads and public infrastructure should be repaired on priority to ensure that residents of remote areas do not face prolonged hardship.
Reviewing the ongoing relief operations, Sukhu said the government was closely monitoring the situation across the district and would continue to extend all necessary support to people affected by the monsoon disaster.
Later, the Chief Minister visited the under-construction heliport at Sultanpur, which is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. He reviewed the progress of the project and said the heliport would significantly improve air connectivity for Chamba once completed.
Sukhu expressed confidence that helicopter services for Chamba district could begin by the end of this year or, if required, in the early months of next year. He said the facility would not only provide faster and more reliable transportation but also give a major boost to tourism, emergency response, and overall economic development in the district.
“The heliport will improve connectivity to this remote region and create new opportunities for tourism and investment,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the state government is committed to strengthening infrastructure in difficult and geographically challenging areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayar, former minister Asha Kumari, District Congress Committee President Surjeet Bharmauri, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal, Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
