Unprecedented Tragedy in Seraj: Former CM Jairam Thakur Seeks Central Aid, Urges Immediate Rescue and Relief Operations. 

Shimla:

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur described the ongoing disaster in the Seraj region as the “worst tragedy the area has ever faced” and has urged both the state and central governments to intensify relief and rescue operations. After conducting an on-ground assessment of flood-ravaged areas including Kuklah and Bagsyad in his home constituency, Thakur raised critical concerns about the lack of timely administrative response, crumbling infrastructure, and the dire condition of the affected population.

Disaster Overview

Over the past few days, heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have triggered devastating floods and landslides in the Seraj region of Mandi district. Communication lines are down, roads have been destroyed, and villages have been cut off completely. Dozens of people are reportedly missing, while hundreds of homes have been washed away or severely damaged.

Thakur, who reached affected areas via ropeway due to destroyed roads and bridges, highlighted that in villages like Kuklah, Bakhlhi, and Sharana, entire households have lost their homes and belongings within minutes. “I have never witnessed such devastation in Seraj before. Bridges have collapsed, roads have disappeared, and people are left to walk kilometers through debris to find safety,” he said.

Calls for Emergency Intervention

Thakur has formally requested urgent assistance from the central government. On Wednesday, he spoke to the Union Home Minister and sought deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and two Indian Air Force helicopters for emergency rescue and relief. The request was immediately approved, and teams have been dispatched to the region.

“I’ve spoken directly with NDRF Commandant Rajneesh at the site, instructing them to launch large-scale operations to search for missing persons. I’ve also held emergency meetings with chief engineers from the Jal Shakti, PWD, and Electricity Board departments to expedite infrastructure restoration,” Thakur stated.

He further added that the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police have assessed the damage and discussed the rollout of relief and rehabilitation efforts with him.

Ropeway: Lifeline of the Region

With all motorable routes into Kuklah and adjoining areas rendered unusable, the ropeway system has become the only mode of transport. Thakur has demanded that ropeway services be made available 24/7 at concessional rates for local residents to ferry essentials and reach safer locations.

He also met with ropeway authorities to ensure the system remains operational continuously, especially to allow villagers to transport ration, medicines, and other critical supplies.

Destruction in Numbers

According to the former CM, approximately:

• 200 houses have been either completely destroyed or severely damaged in Sharana and surrounding areas.
• 150+ houses in Thunag have collapsed, with another 150 partially damaged.
• Over 25 bridges—both major and minor—have been washed away.
• Several tourists are stranded, and villages like Pakhrar remain completely inaccessible due to landslides and road damage.
• At least two dozen people are feared missing from different locations:
  • 11 from Pakhrar (Dezi)
  • 5 from Thunag
  • 2 from Pandavshila

Voices from the Ground

Local villagers recounted harrowing tales of survival:

• In Kuklah, nine families watched their homes, vehicles, and possessions being swept away by raging water in a matter of minutes.
• In Sharana, over 10 houses were completely flattened. Women and children were trapped overnight in mudslides and were only rescued by local youths at dawn.
• Crops, apple orchards, livestock, and ancestral lands have been lost to landslides and floods.

Saroa Panchayat’s deputy head Devendra Rana reported that only a local patwari had visited the area so far. “No ration, no tents, no relief materials have arrived yet,” he said. He appealed for immediate arrangements for shelter and food for the homeless.

Political and Local Leadership’s Role

During his visit, Jairam Thakur was accompanied by BJP District President Nihal Chand Sharma and local panchayat and district council leaders. They assured residents that both central and state governments would coordinate to provide all possible aid. However, Thakur also urged the state administration, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to issue strict directives to speed up rescue efforts.

“This is not just a natural disaster; it’s a humanitarian crisis. Relief efforts must operate at war-footing. People cannot wait,” he emphasized.

What’s Next

Thakur has made the following urgent demands to the state and central governments:

• Immediate deployment of additional NDRF teams in inaccessible areas.
• Air-dropping of relief materials in remote villages.
• 24-hour ropeway operations at concessional rates for residents.
• Permanent relocation and shelter for displaced families.
• Quick restoration of essential services: electricity, mobile networks, and road access.
• Compensation and rehabilitation packages for those affected.

As the region reels from the impact of nature’s fury, all eyes are now on the state’s administrative machinery and central agencies for swift action and long-term recovery planning.